an experience for others to witness

The last Sunday before Advent is the time for the Christian Church to celebrate Christ as King. The Lectionary of the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian Lectionaries select the description of Luke of Jesus dying on the cross and the dialogue which passes between the “King” and those who are attending to these final moments of human life for Christ. This scene is in sharp contrast to the understanding we have of king even today, when monarchy appears in the press when there is a wedding or scandal to observe. Fr Larry Gillick, SJ discusses the meaning of the “King on a cross” and explains that Jesus is now and then “an experience for others to witness”. (Gillick SJ, 2010) What do Christians display when they live the exhortation of Jesus to be ‘salt of the earth’. Paul proclaims Jesus kingship to the Colossians and we hear that the Will of God which Jesus lives is to reconcile to God all things and bring peace through the blood of the cross. Today, Christians who have accepted the invitation to intimacy with the Divine through the indwelling Spirit are called to bring that reconciliation and peace wherever we are called to live. Martin Warner, writing in the Anglican journal, the Church Times, describes how the familiar strangers in society, postal workers and garbage collectors, bring a regular point of contact to people in a disconnected society. (Warner, 2010) The mission of the King and for the King is to be the human Body of Christ in the world and to reconcile, bring peace and witness as salt in world seeking a flavour of love, hope and faith. Nicky Gumbel, presenter of the Alpha Course series of videos in understanding Christ and Christianity, emphasizes the mission of Christians to be salt and light and allow others to see Jesus, the King, in the everyday acts of people attempting to live the will of God.

Gillick SJ, L. (2010, November 20). Daily Reflection. Retrieved November 21, 2010, from Creighton University's On Line Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112110.html

Warner, M. (2010, November 19). This Sunday's Readings Christ the King. Retrieved November 21, 2010, from Church Times: http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=104062