Solemnity of Christ the King: Surrendering to the Lord

Today's Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112617.cfm

Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17

Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6

1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28

Matthew 25: 31-46

In our world today, power is a common theme, a common desire longed for by many. We often wish to take the world into our hands, molding it and creating it into an image we see fit. Indeed, authority is often viewed as an attractive or enticing quality, as it requires a mastery of knowledge and/or skill. The hunt for power, then, is a pathway to which the world calls us.

We, however, have a different source of power we cling to: that of our Lord, Jesus Christ. On this Sunday in particular, we celebrate Christ the King and praise Him for His majesty as Master of the universe. What's more, we also recognize our place in comparison: meek and humble souls at His feet. Of course, we were made in His image and likeness, yet we contain sin, as is conveyed to us in our second reading: "For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life" (1 Corinth 15:22). In just this simple line, so much of salvation history is found; Christ is the New Adam, bringing about redemption for all through His sacrifice as the Lamb.

In this way, Christ has opened the gates of opportunity for us as His humble and imperfect dwellers. Since Heaven's doors have been opened for us, we can seek out God in all we do and run back again and again to His mercy. Truly, God can recreate us. All it takes is an act of surrender from His people.

Jesus looks upon us with the most gentle and loving eyes, simply waiting for us with an outstretched hand. He wants us. He longs for us. Just think: Christ the King is patiently waiting for us to grasp onto His guiding hand. What other king shows such compassion?!

I ran across a verse from Corinthians the other day that said, "you are not your own" (1 Corinth 6:19). In context of Christ the King, we are indeed his servants, tenants of His work in this world. We were therefore not created for our own benefit, but for His benefit alone. Initially, this may seem as if God is subjecting us to slavery......quite the opposite. Isaiah proclaims: "He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus thus calls us into life with Him, a path that brings true joy, even if the world causes us to suffer.

Do not hide your heart in a cage; instead, set it free to God. Place it upon His altar as an act of complete surrender to Him. Let the Holy Spirit work in your life as He wishes; do not be afraid to change for Him. Of course, such a path seems quite daunting and maybe even improbable, but God knows far better than us where we are headed, and where we ought to be.

Take the Redeemer's hand, and He shall lovingly change you into a more perfect form, and you will one day see the Kingdom!

"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen."