Thursday, July 29, 2021
Christ the King
The pagan gods and cult idols must be carried about, for they cannot walk . . . but Jesus walks among us.
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, they cannot speak . . . but our God speaks to us constantly.
Fear them not, they can do no harm, neither is it in their power to do good . . . the Holy Spirit comforts and abides with us always.
No one is like you, O Lord, great are you, great and mighty is your name. Who would not love you . . . for it is your due!
Today we hear a message from Jeremiah affirming all that we know to be true. False shepherds will fall away; the One True Shepherd will gather the lost to bring them home. This King of all carries us on his shoulders – rather than asking us to carry him about. This King of all accompanies us everywhere – even when we feel alone or betrayed, not only when we are happy or joy-filled. This King protects, guides, guards, and loves us – even though we stray, complain and stumble.
This King will never falter, never err, never abandon even one of the flock. This King directs our every step if we only allow it. In his Old Testament frame of mind, Jeremiah asks Yahweh to punish Israel’s enemies. In our New Testament perspective, we pray for those who harm us, we intercede and ask forgiveness. Just as Jesus does. It is when we feel the most alone that we might also most feel God’s presence. If we wish to feel in control of our lives, we must abandon ourselves to Christ. If we wish to feel inspired and passionate about all we do, we must first welcome the Spirit into our hearts to accompany our prayer. If we wish to be treasured, we must first care for those whom no one loves. If we wish to be one with our brother, Christ the King, we must first be sister and brother to our enemies. And we must ask that God show them – and us – mercy.
You know, O Lord, that man is not master of his way; man’s course is not within his choice, nor is it for him to direct his step.
Love us, O Lord, and call those who have wandered far from you. Pour out your grace upon us, so that we might hear you and respond to your call. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ and King, together with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Adapted from a reflection written on November 21, 2010, the Feast of Christ the King.
The Noontimes 
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