Christ the King!

Democracy is the gift of Greeks to the world. They brought in this idea of governance: of trial by law, of civil freedom of speech, thought and expression and more importantly of worship. I always wondered why the Statue of Liberty has a Greek face! The past 20 years or so, the world has been experiencing a democratic revolution: A research claimed that 117 of the world’s 191 countries are considered democratic. Democratic countries have been more successful in living peacefully with neighbors, educating citizens, economic growth and similar other areas. Democracy is the present solution to live as free and respected citizens.

But today we are not celebrating ‘Christ our Democratically Elected Leader Sunday’ rather ‘Christ the King Sunday’: No opinion polls, no votes. We have created systems that works, a system that makes us successful. Everything is planned and executed meticulously: order and form. That is a not a guarantee that it will make us better people. The moment a leader is elected, the most important thing for him/her is: how would I keep my position? The more organized the system is the more organized the crime and corruption be. Criminals do update!!! An outdated criminal is handicapped in an advanced system. Nepotism is the present norm: when I am in power I make sure I get this for my family and friends!

Christ as King is seen in light of the Kingdom. The very first words of public ministry are ‘The Kingdom of God is near! – isn’t it easier to say ‘the King is here’ or In Lord’s Prayer, we say ‘Your Kingdom come’. Isn’t it easier to say Oh please come our Dear King! And in baptism we are anointed like Jesus as Prophet, priest and Kings or Queens! The communal aspect is stressed here that Christ is King with all the citizens not UNDER him but WITH him. Just like we share the role of a priest and prophet through Jesus, we also share the leadership of Jesus in our society.

In today’s gospel Jesus makes the distinction that his kingdom does not belong here. Jesus kingdom is not just spiritual, or relegated to a future age beyond history or in heaven rather it is life here and now ruled by God. “Every aspect of personal and communal life would experience a radical reversal. The political, economic, and social subversions would be almost endless—peace-making instead of war mongering, liberation not exploitation, sacrifice rather than subjugation, mercy not vengeance, care for the vulnerable instead of privileges for the powerful, generosity instead of greed, humility rather than hubris, embrace rather than exclusion, etc. The ancient Hebrews had a marvelous word for this, shalom, or human well-being.” (Dan Clendenin).

This is an enormous responsibility to be leaders of values. The initiative has to be from us. Every Christian should be proud to be the initiator of a common good. We can’t afford to be a bystander, watching others do the good works and just praise them with our lips. If the kingdom does not belong here, we don’t belong here! Our hearts, minds and bodies as leaders in God’s kingdom does not belong to this world: it belongs the King. Christ can be King only if has a Kingdom! Where is the Kingdom and where are His people and what are they known for?