The Feast of Christ the King, Year C
9-12 year olds
It seems a little strange that, on the feast of Christ the King, we hear about Jesus dying on the cross. Wouldn't it make sense to proclaim the Resurrection? Why are we focusing on his death?
Notice what the feast is called. Christ the King. "Christ" is the Greek word for "Messiah," the title that both the leaders and one of the criminals taunt Jesus with. It means, "Anointed One."
A person is anointed with holy oil. The oil is slathered on the person. It is a way of showing that the person is chosen by God for a particular mission.
Kings are anointed.
Priests are anointed.
Prophets are anointed.
We are anointed.
We are anointed with the Oil of Chrism, the Christ oil, when we are baptized, and again at Confirmation.
What can this mean?
Could we also be chosen by God for a particular mission?
Here are the words which are said at our Baptism:
As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.
If we are going to be members of the Kingdom enjoying everlasting life, don't we need to know what kind of King Jesus is?
Let's look at the Gospel for this feast again.
The good criminal says,
but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Jesus has done nothing wrong, but he allows himself to be put to death. He gives all of himself--in the bread, on the cross. He pours out his whole life--in the wine, on the cross. He empties himself.
And he says, "Do this in memory of me."
Can we do this?
In the midst of that self-emptying on the cross, he shows mercy to the good criminal. He offers the man hope.
Can we show mercy to sinners?
Can we offer hope to those in desperate situations?
Can we empty ourselves out for others?
In our own particular way, in our own special life, we can offer ourselves. We can choose to accept the particular special mission God has given to us in Baptism.
In this way, we announce to the world, that our King is coming.
King of the world!
King of all!
Long live the King!