“Jesus’ invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables,” says the Catechism (546). Christ uses parables to show just how radical a change he is making. In this case, he is changing the kingdom from a symbol of glory and luxury to a symbol of humility and simplicity. He tells Mary that she will “throw down the mighty from their thrones,” and he himself becomes the first example of that, offering his kingdom to the poor and lowly, demanding that we “humble ourselves and become little” — become like children — to enter God’s kingdom.
It is there in the Our Father, when we pray, “Thy kingdom come!” It’s there in the crucifix, with the sign saying, “Jesus, King of the Jews.” It is there in the Rosary, in the “threes” — the third mysteries in each of the first three decades: The Nativity of the Newborn King; the Proclamation of the Kingdom; and — marking the only earthly coronation Jesus ever submitted to — the Crowning With Thorns.
His kingship accompanies us all year, actually. It starts at Epiphany, when the Three Kings lay their gifts down before the Christ Child, who then has to flee a king’s wrath. It continues as Lent begins, with the three temptations in the desert and Satan offering Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world.” Lent ends with Holy Week, when Pilate discusses Christ’s kingship with Jesus before sending him to his death, where the Good Thief says, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
No comments:
Post a Comment