He Shall Reign Forevermore (Christ the King, 2021)

To listen to this homily, click here.

The intrigue of kings and queens, the secrets of royal life, and the cutthroat politics which take place within the walls of the palace are something that has captivated people throughout history. How many of you enjoyed watching the series on Netflix, “The Crown”? I’ll admit I’ve not seen it yet but Fr. Schneier keeps telling me I need to! There is an enduring quality to stories of kings and queens, princes and princesses, whether they be real or fictional. Just a few examples: King Arthur, Queen Elizabeth, Henry VIII, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and King David and King Herod. In all these stories, real and imagined, one thing stays the same: there can only be one ruler, one king, one queen. Sharing the power might be a nice idea and begin with good intentions but it never works out. Sooner or later there is a struggle for the crown and people must make a choice about whom they will serve.

As Americans, we have been blessed to live in a democracy, where decisions are made by popular vote and no single person holds all the power. The checks and balances in our government hold leaders accountable and stop abuses before they get too far out of hand. Our country’s mode of government was formed in reaction to the tyranny of kings and queens. So we might wonder why we celebrate a feast where Christ is king, which seems so outdated and unrelated to our social experience.

While the monarchy is not a great political model because of human weakness, it is the best model to describe how things work in the spiritual reality that governs heaven and earth. Jesus IS King of the entire universe, whether we choose him or not. Jesus will rule over all things, places and people at the end of time, whether we chose to serve him or not. Morality and the authority of Jesus are not something we decide or vote on. He is Lord of all but he lets us choose to whom we give our allegiance. 

There can be only one king at the end of time and there is a massive battle going on even now to establish the everlasting kingdom. This battle started when satan and his angels rebelled against God before humanity was created. It reached a new level when Adam and Eve rejected God and chose sin. Back and forth it continued until the decisive moment when God became man and suffered and died for us on the cross. From that moment on, the battle was decided, the outcome assured, and the victory won for God and his faithful ones. Jesus WILL reign, forever more, forever more, as the song says. You and I happen to live in the final stage, when things are wrapping up. Human history is moving towards Jesus’ return once and for all, where he will judge heaven and earth and then give eternal glory and happiness to those who served him during their life while eternal shame and punishment will be given to those who served other lords during their earthly life.

As a general rule, I think we feel comfortable saying Jesus is king and lord of our lives. We wouldn’t be here in church if we didn’t agree with at least most of what he teaches and expects of us. But it is good for us to remember and examine our lives a little more closely, keeping in mind that Christ the King must rule over every aspect of our lives, every part of our mind, body, and soul. We cannot serve other masters and still be his, as much as we would like to believe this is possible. So how can we evaluate our loyalty in a way that’s honest, open, and yet not driven by guilt, shame, or self-hatred? The key is to remember that Jesus loved us and died for us before we ever existed. He made the choice to give everything for us even if we would reject him in the future. His love is unconditional and the only reason he doesn’t want us to serve other kings is because he knows it will lead to our destruction and unhappiness. 

With that being said, is Jesus truly king of all aspects of my life? Is he Lord of my mind? do I use my mental gifts, whatever they may be, to learn more about him and his Word? Am I expanding my knowledge of my faith, no matter how young or old I am? Do I use my capacity to think in a way that helps others and glorifies God? Am I developing my intellect as a well-rounded human being and making the most of my time as a student? Or does something else rule my mind? Am I mentally lazy, just vegging out in front of a screen? Or more consumed with increasing knowledge of things that are less important or not important at all? Such as worldly gossip, obsession with sports, fashion, technology, news, or trivial facts that simply won’t matter at the end of my life? If there are areas of my mind that are off-limits to Jesus, where he is not allowed in, then he is not yet my King.

What about our bodies? They are temples of the Holy Spirit and made in the image of God. At the end of time, they will be raised up and reunited with our souls, either in heaven or in hell, depending on the life we lived. Do we show our loyalty to Christ the King by the way we dress, the way we eat and drink, by respecting our body and the body of others? Do we reverence the gift of our sexuality as a treasure entrusted to us by God, as something to be protected and honored rather than exploited, redefined, or used for selfish pleasure? For our young married couples, are you open to the gift of life and generous in responding to God’s invitation to be co-creators with him? Or are there parts of us that are ruled by addiction, excess, self-indulgence, and lust? If there are areas of my body that are off-limits to Jesus, then he is not yet my King.

Last of all, what about our hearts, which guide our relationships and the things and people we choose to love? Is Jesus allowed into the way we love other people? Do we have concern for others, especially the poor, the sick, the unborn, the hurting, the ignored, and inconvenient? Do we keep the good things of life, like money, possessions, and careers in their proper place; never allowing them to become idols or getting them at the expense of other people’s well-being? Do we see each person that is part of our life, as another Christ to be loved, respected, and cared for. Do each of our relationships help us and the other person grow closer to God? Or, at the very least, do they avoid putting anyone in a situation of temptation or choosing between us and God? To put it most simply, would we be comfortable having Jesus alongside us as we interacted with each of our friends, family members, co-workers, and strangers? Or would he see us as impatient, unkind, manipulative, selfish, angry, or cruel? If there are any relationships or parts of my heart that are off-limits to Jesus, then he is not yet my King.

As I was reflecting and writing this homily, I realized how much I need to work on. I have a divided heart in many ways and, at times, I like to keep Jesus out of parts of my mind, body, and relationships. It is difficult to give him free reign because I think I can do better or I just want things my way. But that is ultimately self-sabotage. Jesus is no ordinary King. He is not even simply a good or great king. He is the King of Kings, savior and shepherd, our Lord and lover who will never misuse his power and authority in any way. He is a servant leader who uses his power and might for our good and happiness. He wants is to be invited into every aspect of our existence so he can give us eternal life, true love, and everlasting happiness. He is not content to be one king among many. Our time here on earth is short and now is the time to choose which king we will serve for all eternity. Let’s ask God for the grace and faith to open every part of our lives to Christ the King because he will be victorious and reign forever more! 

 

 

What Sort of Roadtrip Are You On? (33rd Sunday, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

This past week I watched a movie I had often heard about but never seen. I had no idea what to expect other than a few hints about an iconic scene or two. Some folks had compared my sisters’ driving habits to the film so I suppose I should have known there would be mayhem, but much of it caught me off-guard. The movie was Thelma and Louise; perhaps you’ve seen it or at least know the story? In case you haven’t, let me just give a general overview; two women, longtime friends, decide to go on a fishing trip in the mountains. It’s just supposed to be a brief escape from the ordinary and, in some ways, unpleasant realities of their lives. Well, things quickly go off the rails for Thelma and Louise and an innocent getaway becomes a crime spree, running from the law, and ultimately leads to tragedy. How something so good became something so bad was the worst combination of wrongs committed by and against Thelma and Louise. In the end, the viewer knows what they did could have been prevented and wasn’t right but you also feel sorry for them and understand how they got into the whole mess.

So, what is my point! A connection came to mind about this crazy movie and the foreboding message from Daniel in the first reading; a prophecy of tribulation and distress, a time of testing that will bring out either the best or the worst in every person. Daniel says that God’s people will be raised up, “some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” How do we know which one we shall be? How does a person’s life become so good or so bad? Is it nature or nurture? Jesus tells us that, at a time only God knows, his angels will gather his elect from every corner of creation. How do we become part of the elect, the happy group that lives with God forever in heaven? Is it luck? Is there some secret? Or is it already decided who will enter paradise, making our choices meaningless and our destiny a done deal? Do our actions and the way we live our lives move the needle on where we spend eternity? 

Some theologians were discussing this problem of predestination vs free will. The argument got heated and they split into two groups: one side said God had already determined our salvation and the other that we must each make a choice. One man, however, couldn’t make up his mind which group he belonged to.

Finally he decided to join the predestination group. But when he tried to sit down with them, they asked him, "Who sent you here?” "Nobody sent me," he replied. "I came of my own free will.” "Free will!" they shouted. "You don't belong with us. You belong with the other group.” So he meekly walked across the room and asked the others if he could join them. "When did you decide to join us?" they asked him. "Actually," he said, "I didn't decide. I was sent here.” Of course the free will people were horrified. "Sent here! You can't join us unless you choose to by your own free will.”

Well, you can see the dilemma. But it’s not an either or situation. As Catholics we believe in both divine election and human choice. The Catechism teaches that "no one can earn the initial grace of forgiveness and justification”, "the initiative belongs to God." At the same time the Catechism teaches that the grace of Christ does not take away human freedom. In fact, his grace makes genuine freedom possible. 

We can be confident that, because of baptism, we are part of the elect. Still, you and I must make a choice. Everything depends upon it. It is humbling and sometimes horrifying, to realize that so much depends upon our decisions. Years ago, Princess Anne of England visited the Smithsonian Museum. As part of her tour, Neil Armstrong showed her a space suit used during the moon landing. She touched the material and then asked if there was danger of a rip. Armstrong replied, "The difference between life and death is about a hundredth inch of rubber." Small things can have enormous importance. So it is with the choices you and I make each day. They might appear small, but they are not trivial: they involve the difference between the life and death of our soul. Every moral choice molds a person's character, their inmost being. Not only that, the choices we make might even affect the life and eternity of someone else! This is both a great opportunity and responsibility! We really do decide whether we will "shine brightly" or become an "everlasting horror." 

At any moment you and I can turn toward God… or turn away from him. That possibility will not last forever. Jesus warns us there will come a final day, a final moment. At the moment of death we will either humbly face God or arrogantly turn away from him forever. The choice is stark but it is already happening based on our priorities and lifestyle.

Let’s wrap things up by returning to Thelma and Louise. Their adventure, their short getaway, which started so full of joy and potential is an analogy for our time here on earth. Every human life is a journey, a brief moment in the context of eternity. Whether that journey leads back to God or off the edge of a cliff is up to us. Each of us has the incredible ability to become a source of great light or darkness, depending on the choices we make and the influences that form us through our friendships and family life. Our God is so merciful that we can come back to him anytime, no matter what we have done or how big a mess we’ve made. There is no need to run from Him or leave a trail of destruction in our wake. His love and healing is so powerful that he can even make us whole after others sin against us and do terrible things that change the course of our lives. Jesus wishes to help us every step of the way. He gives us his word and his grace through the sacraments. He will never stop chasing us to bring us safely into his care. 

Make sure and spend some time thinking about where your earthly journey is currently heading, especially if it ended today. Now is the time to turn to God and let him lead us. May our lives, our choices, and our relationships embody the words of Daniel in our first reading: “the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever."