November 21, 2010
Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
William and Kate are getting married! We can expect a royal wedding next summer. Many are fascinated with the lives of the rich and famous but with William we are looking at a prince and probably a future king. The office is more than privilege and entitlement. Both William and Harry serve in the military and are devoted to causes that lessen sickness and hunger in England and Africa. They embody British empathy. In our 1st reading David is anointed king and unites Israel and Judah. As king he continues to be a good shepherd providing for the welfare of the realm and willing to lay down his life for the nation. During the month of November we honor to royal saints -- Margaret of Scotland and Elizabeth of Hungary. They understood their office as queen and princess as one of service and sharing. Today is the feast of Christ The King! St. Paul in our 2nd reading sees the kingship of Christ as cosmic over all powers and principalities. Yet in our Gospel Jesus is acclaimed king on the cross -- an office misunderstood and ridiculed. Yet one thief crucified next to Jesus asks for a royal pardon. It is granted by Jesus. "Today you'll be with me in paradise." "Paradise" is a Persian word meaning "walled garden." The penitent thief discovered something critical for us. While there is life there is mercy. While there is life there is hope.
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