by Mark Escobar

Created on: October 21, 2008

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

Readings: 2 Sam 5:1-3; Ps 122:1-5; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

The Crucifixion

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Each country has its own legends and myths which provide us images, as well as connections to history and civilization. The other day I came across an article about these Italian archaeologists who unearthed the secrets behind one of Western civilization's most enduring legends Romulus and Remus the legendary founders of Rome.[1] They were sons of the god Mars who were abandoned by the banks of the Tiber until they were discovered by a female wolf who suckled them until they were found and reared by a shepherd named Faustulus.[2]. It ends when Romulus kills his twin brother due to a power struggle.

Another legend I call to mind is the story of King Arthur[3] and his knights of the round table. Arthur was conceived out of wedlock and he was taken as a little boy by Merlin, the famous and a kindly magician. Merlin brought him up in secrecy and because he was concerned about the future of this child afraid that he might become a spoiled brat, or arrogant. So he brought him to the bedraggled castle of a third-rate Lord, Sir Ector who became his foster-father and raised him like any ordinary child; he fell and cried, got his hands dirty in the fields and was given a name Wart (which in those days rhymed with Art, which is short for Arthur).[4]

I am telling you this story because the images of kings or founders and kingdoms like King Arthur who triumphed over the Saxons, conjure up different concepts counter to the reign of Christ. Today, as we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King, we remember Christ's kingship over all creation. This reminds us that Christ's kingship is not like that kingship of King Arthur in the English monarchy of David in the first reading or the Knights of the Round Table. Yes, there is courage, honor, chivalry, and dignity but, the main perspective on Jesus' kingship is servanthood in his lordship. Except in sin he humbles himself (kenosis) to become human like us and share the ultimate end of earthly life death.

History is replete with the details of many famous battles, for instance, the battle of Lepanto, the Spanish conquistadores, or simply Lancelot and other noble knights of the Round Table. They possess those qualities of being a warrior or a knight with humility, patience, and allegiance to the

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