Christ the King is one of my favorite Church holidays. It is the end of ordinary time and the end of the Church year. it is the beginning of the Advent season (and the holiday season) there is incense and high celebration of our Lord and Savior as the King of Creation. He was the one who opened wide the gates for all to enter. Today at Church we sang this song and so beautiful and regal I felt like I really understood the tangible nature of our King. i found a youtube clip of this song, called Jerusalem the Holy City. I will wait while you listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRil3T1Ey7A
Last night I lay a-sleeping there came a dream so fair, I stood in old Jerusalem beside the temple there. I heard the children singing, and ever as they sang I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang, I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And then I thought my dream was changed, the streets no longer rang. Hushed were the glad Hosannas the little children sang. The sun grew dark with mystery, the morn was cold and chill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Hark! How the angels sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And once again the scene was changed, new earth there seemed to be. I saw the Holy City beside the tideless sea. The light of God was on its streets, the gates were open wide, and all who would might enter, and no one was denied. No need of moon or stars by night, or sun to shine by day; it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away, it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o'er! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna forevermore!
In our Mass today at Most Holy Redeemer, this song came as the preparation of the gifts, right after the homily. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer always seems to move me, but today especially the priest emphasized that our King was not a king of a monarchy, that it was not a governmental leadership.
His is a kingdom not of power, but one of humility and of service. He is not a king who seeks to bend the will of others, but to bend before them in service. When asked what is the truth our King proclaims that I AM the Way, I AM the Truth, and I AM the Light. We are called to imitate our King. Not only is the gate opened the one time, but also over and over and over again. especially in celebrating with neighbor, family, friend we fulfill our kingship.
On Friday one of the freshman were in our office, asking questions. At the end of her conversation she pulled Max aside and said, Mr Straube if someone says really racist things, and they are your friends, and you dont want to upset them, and you dont want to get too upset yourself, what should you do. Max said, here, let me show you something. He took her to the one end of the room where the crucifix of our King was hanging on the wall. And he brought her right underneath it. What do you see? Mr. Straube, that's the crucifix. And do you remember what Jesus said when he was here? Father forgive them, the student answered. Max said exactly. He forgave, and asked that God forgive them too, as he was dying. and Jesus said Love your enemies. Max was very honest with the student as he admitted that he too always struggled with this line. Perhaps my priest from this sunday, in asking us to celebrate in service with our neighbor, family and friend, unintentionally overlooked enemies as well. But that is why I am linking the two together for us. Christ the King overcame death so the gate could be opened for all. Not only the ones we like and get along with, but the ones that are hardest to pray for. That is why i liked our reflection song so much today; The new Jerusalem will not pass away, and the gates are opened wide for all, there will be none denied.
That is why Cristo Rey is my favorite church holiday.
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