Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Lectionary: 162

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.



A friend of mine asked how the Church regards the possibility of intelligent life on exoplanets. A recent study determined there may be millions of "Earth-like" planets in "Goldilocks" regions of the Milky Way. Can anyone reasonably dispute the possibility of self-conscious life among all those potential biospheres? Add to that the vision of "billions and billions" of other galaxies in the universe, can anyone insist that a human being of our Planet Earth is King of the Universe? 

With the introduction of our new Roman Missal in December 2011, the Church has given this Sunday a new name. It is no longer simply "Christ the King." It is now "The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe." 

Clearly, we're not backing away from our claims about Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Mary. We are willing "to boldly go" where philosophasters fear to tread. Accused of anthropocentrism, we plead guilty, so long as the "anthro-" in question is Jesus, the Son of Man. 

What gives us such confidence? It is not images of Jesus on a throne with a golden crown and ermine cloak. Rather, it is sober contemplation of Jesus Christ Crucified, as in today's gospel. 

Only such a man could be worthy of such a title. As the Incarnate Son of God he is Lord of all creatures, including life in every form.

Saint John tells us "The Word became flesh." The Incarnation must include all that is essential to life: dirt, air, water and fire. Or, if you prefer, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, all the elements and every chemical. Living flesh cannot be isolated from the universe in which it lives. Elements of Jesus' body were created in the heart of collapsing stars before they exploded to populate the universe with their treasures. The Word ate our food and breathed our air and found shelter under the canopy of our skies. Mormons fantasize about other universes and other gods. They're god is too small for us. 

***

Recently, a Veteran very dear to my heart decided not to leave the hospital AMA. He knew that if he left he would immediately buy a fifth of gin and a gallon of orange juice and plaster himself to the floor. He's done it repeatedly many times already. The next time may kill him. He made the decision to live at least for one more day. 

He was very glad of his decision and I heartily congratulated him. He chose freedom for one more day. I reminded him that, because he had chosen not to drink that day, he would face the same choice on the following day. If he passed through that day, it would come up again on the third day. Every day that he does not drink he has the freedom to choose on the following day. But when he chooses to drink, he might never have the choice again. 

The God who died for us on a cross never takes away our freedom. When he permitted his hands and feet to be fastened to that wood he surrendered every claim to an authority that would control, limit or contain us. He can only invite us to come to him. The devil would rule like a tyrant. He would control our every thought, wish, desire and impulse. He suppresses every possibility of freedom. The King of the Universe rules only by his love. 

When we look at "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe" suspended helplessly between heaven and earth, unable to fall down or rise up, stretching his arms in a gesture of welcome to every creature, we recognize him as our God. There can be none other. This is the King who wants us to be free. Even in the worst moment of his life, as we hear in today's gospel, he promised everlasting freedom "in Paradise" to a fellow victim. 

Jesus, the Son of Mary, is worthy to be God. I would have no other: 

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” The four living creatures answered, “Amen,” and the elders fell  down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:13-14)