Whenever we hear the word “king,” our minds likely go to several different images that present themselves to our minds. We may think of the palaces that they inhabited. Perhaps the fine garb and apparel that they would’ve donned upon themselves. Perhaps even the might and the strength that they ruled their land with, and how they had all of these abilities as they approach those who were in their care. Historically, so many of these things ring true, no matter what land, what location, or even what time that you speak of.
It may be a bit surprising then, that we describe the kingship of Jesus not only once during the Church’s liturgical year, but twice. The first time that we celebrate that kingship is right before we begin the season of Advent. We celebrate the kingship of Jesus in a very profound way, not just as a king, but the king of the entire universe. That one is particularly easy to understand in what we celebrate. Yet, today, as we celebrate Jesus, we may be surprised to think of it in a similar way, and yet, we still do celebrate Jesus Christ again today- celebrated under a similar theme- underneath the theme of a king as well. Yet, this isn’t quite the king that we would expect but one that is altogether different.
The Mass this evening/morning begins quite differently, because this is a week that begins quite differently. The Mass actually begins at the entrance of the Church, where we all take palms and prepare for the entrance of the King. We hold them in a similar fashion as they held palms for Jesus that same time on His last entrance into Jerusalem before His Passion. The Jews are all there shouting triumphantly at their King and truly giving Him royal treatment, because they recognize the profound moment that they are in. Their cries even echo today- “Hosanna to the Son of David!” They recognize that this entrance is a royal one- though they may not have expected what occurred just a short time later. Nonetheless, this truly shows us a powerful moment, because it truly does celebrate a king.
However, the readings and the Gospel today paint us an altogether different character of the liturgy as well. While the entrance is powerful and very fitting for a king, the liturgy quickly becomes very somber, because we are not just reflecting on the kingship of Jesus Christ, but we are reflecting on what exactly that kingship means. It is something that is altogether powerful, but also very unexpected as well. When we hear the first reading today, it comes specifically from the book of the prophet Isaiah. It sounds as if, on the surface, it is a simple reflection on the reality of the work of Isaiah. While there is an element of reflection on that, there is more as well, as these words are not meant to just be the words of Isaiah, but the words of Jesus Christ as He adopts them as well. So we hear the reality of not just Isaiah’s own life, but also Jesus’s as well. If we hear Jesus speaking these words, we hear so many different things that celebrate the particular aspects of Christ as well. We hear about those who pluck his beard, who spit at Him, and do all sorts of things that would seem to indicate disgrace. Yet, it is not enough to say that this ends in disgrace, but rather it ends in the manifestation of God’s grace, and the many ways that He is going to protect Christ through this, and will bring glory in time- even in the midst of Insults.
The second reading comes from Saint Paul and His letter to the Philippians. In the course of this reading, it is made known that there is a sort of paradox happening here- the relation of two dissimilar ideas. We hear about the divinity of Christ- as it is being refreshed, but there is something else here as well, as it speaks of the humility that Christ must have had. So, when it speaks of the reality of Jesus’s Kingship in actually appearing as if he were a slave, and therefore, pouring himself out in all humility. Yet, because of this, he is exalted and given a name above every other name- and the reality is that, at the end of this, even as things may have seemed bleak or dreary- there is a proclamation raised- Jesus Christ is Lord! Because of his own obedience, he is given a greatly exalted title, even as he mounts the wood of the Cross.
Finally, we heard from the Passion narrative according to Matthew. This gives us a very timely reminder of the Passion and death of the Lord, though it may seem a bit early in the scheme of things. Yet, it is given to us at an opportune time, because we are entering into the holiest of weeks, and preparing in a powerful way to celebrate some of the most central mysteries of our faith. It gives this to us now so that we can begin to understand that the Cross does not make Jesus weak by any stretch of the imagination, but makes Him all the more powerful a King, and one to be celebrated as He marches into Jerusalem to complete the sacred work that is to be accomplished.
Thus, my brothers and sisters, the short message today- let us celebrate Christ in a powerful and particular way- not just as a king as we may expect, but as a King with the ability to save us from our sins. Let us too celebrate this week of holiness, reminding ourselves of the full gift that our Lord gives us, not just as a king, not just as a slave, but also as our Lord who marches into Jerusalem, so that we too may march into heaven. Watch, wait and pray.
