As our liturgical year draws to a close, we celebrate Jesus as King. The title of “king” is one Jesus accepted only with great reluctance. In fact, whenever people tried to project their own hopes for a political-military Messiah onto Jesus, he ran as far away as possible! Before Pilate, Jesus does not explicitly refuse the title of King, but he insists that his kingdom is “not of this world.”

What kind of king is Jesus? Jesus is the servant-king. He models authority by humble service: kneeling before his disciples and washing their feet, embracing his passion and death with generous love for all of humanity. Religious art often depicts Christ as Ruler of the Universe, enthroned in glory; but the most enduring and central icon of Christ the King remains the Crucifix. Jesus’ only crown is a crown of thorns; his only power, fidelity to the mission entrusted to him by his Father: “to bear witness to the truth.” And what is this truth? That authority is not about power, control, and self-interest, but about loving service of others. The way of self-giving, suffering love is the way of God. In bearing witness to this central truth, Jesus sets us free from the illusions of wealth, fame and power that bind us.

At the same time, the Gospel of Christ calls us to work with all people of good will for the betterment of society. Addressing the Italian Church last week, Pope Francis encouraged and challenged them in these words:

“I ask you to be builders of the nation, to work for a better Italy. Do not look at life from the balcony, but commit yourselves, immerse yourselves in social action and political dialogue. May the hands of your faith be raised to Heaven, as you build a city in which the love of God is the foundation. Thus you will be able to accept today’s challenges, free to live its changes and transformations. We do not live in an era of change, but in a change of era! Live problems as challenges and not as obstacles: the Lord is active and at work in the world! Go out to the streets and to the crossroads: call all those you find, exclude no one. Wherever you are, never build walls or borders, but meeting-places and field hospitals. (…) I am pleased with a restless Church, ever close to the abandoned, the forgotten, the imperfect. I desire a happy Church with the face of a mother, who understands, accompanies and caresses. You also dream of this Church; believe in her; innovate with freedom. In word and deed, affirm radically the dignity of every person as a child of God; embrace your work, inhabit Creation as your common home, find joy and humor in the midst of a life that is so often hard. May our Church be a ferment of dialogue, encounter and unity for all people.”

Our nation too has many challenges to be faced. Inspired by the word and example of Pope Francis, let us renew our commitment to share in the mission of Jesus: living and proclaiming God’s Kingdom, as ambassadors of Christ’s mercy and love.