Recently, we witness the rising to power once again of president-elect Donald Trump. Some people are happy, celebrating Trump’s victory while there are also some who have expressed their fears, worries and anxieties. Many only see power in the worldly sense. Let us not forget that public office is a public trust. Those entrusted with offices must at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. Public officials must always act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives. And, if I may add, most importantly, they must put God first so that their leadership will always be guided by His gracious help.

Today marks the end of the liturgical year. We, the Church, celebrate the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We proclaim to the whole world the true kingship of Christ. Surely, not in terms of pure authority, dominance, control and power as the world sees it but in humble and loving service to humankind.

All the readings this Sunday pertain to Christ, the King. We believe in God’s Kingdom where Jesus seats at the right hand of the Father. He is the Son of man in the vision given to Daniel Who received dominion, glory and kingship because of His faithfulness. He is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth as revealed to John. But why would many of the Jews not see all these? And why was Pilate, seemingly, lost and confused? Actually, he was lost and confused.

Jesus made it clear that His kingdom does not belong to this world. So, is it out of this world? NO! In fact, the kingdom of God has already begun here in this world, in our world. We are all journeying towards its fulfillment. God will reign on the earth and also in our hearts, in His perfect time.

In Baptism, we become priests, prophets and kings for Christ. To be king does not mean to have all the authority and power in the world. That is reserved only to Christ. We owe Him our obedience. Although He deserves dominion and power over all, He humbled Himself, took the form of a slave and became the least and servant of all. That is the kind of kingship we are all called to. To be humble, obedient and loving servants. This is exactly the reason why many Jews could not and would not accept Jesus as king. This is where Pilate got lost and confused. Their hearts are full of desire to have power and control. If only, they paid closer attention to how Jesus wanted to build God’s kingdom, His reign in the hearts of all peoples, they would probably long to see that happening soon. For it will inaugurate the new and perfect world that God intended for all of us.

Blessings! ~ Fr Gilbert Ramos
St Benedict’s, Newton