In 1939, Pope Pius XII proclaimed today’s feast, the Solemnity of Christ the King, a universal celebration of the Church in an encyclical letter that warned against the dangers of racism and totalitarianism.  Pius XII wrote that God’s kingdom of justice and peace is to be the pattern followed by all political rulers.  The encyclical said that Jesus’ reign over the world serves “to refine and to elevate, to strengthen and to fortify souls.” (Summi Pontificatus, 3) 

The Scripture readings for today’s Liturgy were chosen to speak about the kingdom of God and the kingship of Christ.  Unfortunately, there are a couple of glaring omissions in today’s Gospel reading. 

The Gospel reports that Jesus was accused of representing himself as “king of the Jews.” (Lk 23:37-38)  The notion of kingship had a long history in ancient Hebrew religion.  Wanting a king like their gentile neighbors had, the Israelites asked God to anoint Saul as king over them. (1 Sam 9:15-16)  Saul failed in his duties to God and the People to be a good shepherd to the People, that is, a benevolent ruler.  As today’s first reading says, David and his dynasty replaced Saul as king and shepherd. (2 Sam 5:2) 

The metaphor “shepherd” was closely associated with the kings of Israel and Judah because it reinforced a necessary distinction between Hebrew kings and gentile kings.  In the gentile world, kings were despots who coveted power and enriched themselves at the expense of others. In Hebrew religion, the Israelite People had only one, true King who is God.   

The many kings anointed in Israel and Judah served as delegates of God; their temporal authority was conferred by God whose authority is eternal.  As they exercised ruling power granted them by God, they were responsible to govern the People with loving kindness, imitating God’s providence. 

During the long period of time when gentile conquerors ruled in Judea, many faithful Jews hoped that a descendant of David would reestablish the political power of the Davidic dynasty.  In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus announced the nearness of God’s kingdom but, despite the accusations made at his trial and crucifixion, he did not claim the title of king.  In Jesus’ preaching, God was the only King of the Jews; Jesus portrayed himself as the one who would grant entrance into God’s kingdom. 

Although Jesus didn’t describe himself as a king, he did understand himself to be an emissary of God in the way that the ancient Hebrew kings were anointed to be emissaries of God’s providence and mercy.  Today’s feast, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, portrays Jesus in this same fashion, that is, as the one anointed by God to rule over God’s People. 

Unfortunately, the difference between the reign of Christ the King and the reign of most temporal rulers is defined in the parts of today’s Gospel story that are omitted from the Lectionary.  Immediately before our Gospel reading begins, Jesus prayed on the Cross, saying, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they do.” (Lk 23:34)  Immediately after the Lectionary selection, Jesus prayed, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk 23:46) 

Jesus, the King of the Universe, forgave his persecutors, betrayers, and executioners.  He promised the repentant thief entrance into God’s kingdom.  He died at peace with God.  He didn’t seek retribution.  He didn’t discriminate.  He didn’t incite violence.  He rejected lust for power.  He embraced powerlessness.  He embodied a way of life that differs substantially from the tendencies of unredeemed human nature. 

Commentators on the Scriptures often point out that Jesus’ actions in his last hours and minutes were completely consistent with his beliefs and commitments.  This was true of Jesus, but it is equally true of every person.  Everyone acts according to their deepest beliefs and commitments.  The repentant thief acted according to his innate sense of honesty, and the unrepentant thief acted according to his innate malevolence. 

The kingdom of the world offers all people the same anxiety and self-righteousness that led Jesus’ persecutors to condemn him.  The kingdom of God offers the only redeeming alternative to the cynicism that results from trusting in passing things. 

Christ the King offers perfect faithfulness, mercy, righteousness, and charity to all, including his persecutors.  Those who belong to Christ’s kingdom of justice, love, and peace are sent into the world as emissaries of the Gospel of reconciliation.  They share in Jesus’ vocation “to refine and to elevate, to strengthen and to fortify souls.”  As everyone acts according to their most firmly held beliefs, let’s make certain that our beliefs and actions make us “fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” (Col 1:12)