November
20, 2016
Solemnity of Christ
the King
2
Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43
I once read a
joke saying that Filipinos who came from Ilocos Norte claim affinity to Jesus. Why?
Because for them the initial INRI on the cross means “Ilocos Norte Region I.”
But kidding aside, INRI refers to a latin phrase “Iesus Nazarenus Rex
Iudaeorum” (Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews). Today is the solemnity of
Christ the King. How can we describe the kingship of Jesus? For this
reflection, we can use the 4 images of kings we see in a deck of cards: King of
spades, clubs, diamonds and hearts. What do you think best describes the kingship
of Christ?
THE
FIRST IMAGE IS THE KING OF CLUBS. A club is a heavy wooden stick used
as a weapon. It is a symbol of violence and hostility. Jesus cannot be king of
clubs because He came not to sow violence and hostility. We have seen in the
gospel that despite the violence and humiliation done to Jesus, he never responded
with hostility. Jesus came to not to sow enmity among us. Jesus came to bring
peace. He came here to preach reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus therefore
cannot be the king of clubs.
THE
SECOND IMAGE IS THE KING OF SPADES. A spade is a tool used for digging.
It collects dirt from sewers, drainage and garbage. It is a symbol of impurity.
Jesus is not the king of spades because He came not to make our lives dirty.
Paul tells us in the second reading that Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father.
He came cleanse us of our sins. Jesus came to give us hope, to grant forgiveness
and purify us. Jesus therefore cannot be the king of spades.
THE
THIRD IMAGE IS THE KING OF DIAMONDS. A diamond is a stone commonly used for
jewelry. It is a symbol of earthly wealth, power and riches. Jesus cannot be
the king of diamonds because just like David in the first reading, he came from
a simple family. He was never born in a grand palace. He was born in a lowly
manger. Jesus came telling us to work not only on accumulating earthly
treasures but also heavenly treasures. Jesus therefore cannot be the king of
diamonds.
THE
LAST IMAGE IS THE KING OF HEARTS. A heart is a symbol of love. Love here is not just about a blissful experience.
Love also involves being wounded. It involves sacrifice, suffering and dying to
self. This is what we see in the wounded body of Christ our king on the cross.
It is difficult to recognize a king crucified on a cross because we are used to
worldly kings who demand that they be defended and protected, even at the cost
of their servants’ lives. But Jesus our
King laid down his life to protect the lives of His sheep. It is difficult
because we are used to worldly kings who demand to be served. But Jesus our
King came not to be served but to serve. He did all of these not because he was
forced to do so. He did all of these out of love. He can rightly be called the
King of hearts, the King of love.
My dear friends,
on this feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King we are also closing the
Jubilee Year of Mercy. But this does not mean that we will stop being merciful
to each other just as the Father has been merciful to us. Mercy should become
our lifestyle. Let us pray in this mass for the grace to allow Christ to be the
King of our hearts. May his mercy and love inspire us to be merciful, loving
and compassionate to others. Amen.
