The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Today's Mass Readings

Power is the enemy of those who seek it. Many start out with such good intentions, wanting to make a difference in the world, so they seek to become important in order to have influence over people. But the pursuit of power enslaves us. You know the saying: power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Corruption is when power takes control of the person who is supposed to have it. We give up everything, including ourselves, just to have it. Then, once we have it, we do what is necessary to keep it, even sacrificing the ideals that led us to pursue it in the first place.

But Jesus showed us a new way. There, hanging on the cross, is the true power. He gave his power – he gave himself – over to others FREELY. In the garden he expressed his fear about his upcoming trial, but he wasn’t ruled by that fear. At his trial, he was wounded physically and emotionally, but he didn’t strike back. Even a criminal crucified next to him ridiculed him, but he didn’t let the situation force him into action. Jesus is his own master. Rather than struggle to maintain outward control, he accepted what came and he exercised true power by choosing to submit to the will of another. He appeared to have no power, but his power was not being seduced by power. And, because of this, he was raised up as King of all, who gathers all to God.

Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB