“If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” The soldiers at the foot of the cross in today’s Gospel, Luke 23:33-43.
“Royalty is not about being served. It’s about serving.” Queen Elizabeth ll.
Today is the feast of Christ the King, whose values contrast sharply with more traditional images of kingship, power and authority. As shown in the Gospel, this is not a king clad in fine robes but naked on the cross, his scarred body bearing the marks of the terrible suffering he has already endured. His crown has been fashioned of thorns, not gold or jewels, and there is no fine ring on his hands, such as a bishop wears. Rather, nails pierce his wrists and pin him to the wooden cross that is his throne whilst around him are not courtiers but criminals, soldiers and spectators who mock him.
And yet, above this terrible sight, the Kingship of Jesus is proclaimed as the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, has had inscribed on the cross INRI – Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. This is written in Latin, Hebrew and Greek and is a term used by Gentiles such as the Magi at Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:2) and the Roman soldiers, whereas Jews in the New Testament would have used the title King of Israel. But, regardless of arguments over his kingship, true kingly authority is shown in the encounter with one of the two criminals hanging beside Jesus. The unrepentant thief taunts Jesus but the one who is penitent has, at the last minute, come to recognise his need of forgiveness and he asks Jesus to, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Having been mocked by the soldiers, who tell him to save himself if he really is the King of the Jews, in his final moments Jesus shows his kingly authority by saving the sinner beside him. He tells him he will be with him that day in Paradise and, at a time when he might be completely preoccupied with his own agony, Jesus shows his kingship in the care he gives to others. In the midst of hatred, derision and suffering, words of faith, compassion and hope are heard. What a King is this!
It may be surprising to have the Gospel focus on the crucifixion on the last Sunday of the Church’s year, but as Year C draws to a close, it’s a reminder that the reign of Christ the King depends on our contribution too as Christians follow his example and shape their response to the petition in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven.” This year is the centenary of the introduction of this feast, which Pope Pius XI began in 1925 as a response to growing secularism and atheism. Today, with some rulers of the world still exercising power in a way that may undermine democracy or enforce their own authority to the detriment of their peoples, the message and example of Christ the King serves as a potent reminder of the Kingdom being ushered in. In an age of growing secularism, Jesus serves as an unlikely King on the improbable throne of the cross showing all who are willing to consider it the astounding way of God’s love for all humanity. Jesus dies a death he did not deserve for those who turn to him to find what they do not deserve: the Kingdom. And, as the collect suggests, at this tumultuous time, it’s more important than ever that we pray, Almighty God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule. As we do, we may recall times when we have been neither just nor gentle in dealing with ourselves or others – or have been treated by them – and much may be churned up as we consider the situations we are in, as well as those of this world’s rulers. But then, this is also Stir Up Sunday and much more is being stirred up than Christmas cakes and puddings! Usually, their mixing is followed by a wish – why not use a prayer instead?
Stir up, we beseech you O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you plenteously rewarded, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
With my prayers; pob bendith,
Christine, Priest Guardian.