Nov 26, 2023 English

Horrors of wars and conflicts are engulfing the world today. There are even speculations of the potential World War III. Raw ambition and hunger for domination are so egregiously noticeable among some leaders and nations. They seem to have zero concern for the common good and solidarity in this one world. Tyrannical repression is detectable in some powerful countries. We are witnessing an appearance of the ugly heads of nationalistic frenzies and divisive rhetoric around the globe, which leaves bloody trails around the world. In our country the presidential election causes so much anxiety, antagonism, and turbulence that it forces us to re-examine the soul of our nation and re-evaluate our fundamental values and ideals. And we yearn for a prudent and courageous leader.

In the face of rising nationalism and fascism in 1925 Pius XI instituted the solemnity of Christ the King to proclaim the primacy of Christ, the King of kings.
An early Christian writer spoke of this eloquent paradox: “Do you think that Jesus was sent [by God], as might be supposed, to establish some sort of political sovereignty [tyrannis], to inspire fear and terror? Not so. But in gentleness and meekness has He sent him, as a king would send a son who is himself a king. Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity either in locality or in speech or in customs. They dwell in their own countries, but only as sojourners… Every foreign country is a fatherland to them, and every fatherland is a foreign country.”

The last sentence has been a motto for many missionaries, but does that also reflect our worldview and attitude? Do we have a conscious and healthy attachment to our heavenly home and a necessary detachment from this earthly home? Or are we easily swayed by political and commercial slogans that appeal to our base instincts of nationalism, tribalism, and religious and cultural tyranny?
 
Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955), a visionary French Jesuit, paleontologist, biologist, and theologian, was such a guiding spirit in the turbulent early 20th century. His worldview revolves around the idea of an evolutionary progression towards greater and greater consciousness, culminating first in the appearance of self-conscious mind in humankind, and then in the Omega point of the divinization of humanity. The work of Christ is primarily to lead the material world to this cosmic redemption.
 
The journey to this cosmic redemption is for everybody without any exception. The timely and prophetic message of Pope Francis promotes a culture of encounter. Social friendship and universal fraternity call for an acknowledgment of the worth of every human person, always and everywhere (Fratelli Tutti 106). Regardless of our cultural and political background, we are to remember who is in charge, who our King is, and where he leads us. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty” (Rev. 1:8).

Yes, the King lives! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Fr. Paul D. Lee