Feast of Christ the King

On the last Sunday of the Liturgical year, we always celebrate the feast of Christ as our King.  What is He King of?  He is King of the universe, as the creed says “all that is seen and is unseen”.  St. John in today’s reading (Revelation 1: 5-8) says Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first born of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.  Jesus spoke in John’s vision, saying “I am the Alpha and the Omega”, meaning I am the beginning and the end of all things.  In the gospel, Pilate questions Jesus, asking “are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus’ answer is in essence that He is the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring salvation to all people who believe.  Jesus reveals who God is by His words, His miracles, His self-sacrifice for others, and His love and acceptance of all people who come to him.  Jesus is clearly sad when someone rejects Him and even cries over the city of Jerusalem for its sins (Mt 23:37-39).  Jesus’ kingdom is one of mercy, compassion, unconditional love, and eternal life.  We are all invited.  We are enrolled by our baptism to repent, believe, and challenge ourselves to live like a priest, prophet, and king under the Lordship of Jesus.  We are not invited to a feast of subjugation, but a feast of those who know they are completely loved and will never be led astray.  

On a personal note, Carol and I will be leaving for an extended period of time to stay in Omaha, NE near our daughter Mary and our six grandchildren.  It is very likely I will need cervical spine surgery.  Omaha has a very well ranked, dedicated spine center, and family support will be important as the recovery process will likely be a number of months.  I have been at St. John’s since 1968 with the exception of a ten-year absence.  Carol and I were married in the old church and our children were baptized there.  We will miss you all very much and will remember you in our prayers.  Please pray for us also.

~Dcn. Earl Mirus