What kind of king hangs on a cross?
What kind of king is crowned with thorns?
What kind of king is rejected, betrayed, denied?
What kind of king indeed?
David had led the Israelites out and brought them back victorious!
David had been anointed by the prophet when he was still just a boy,
had assisted the first king of Israel,
was victorious in battle,
and was adored by the people.
The elders of Israel anointed him
when they saw his leadership abilities.
He had conquered the enemies of his people,
had established Jerusalem as not only his capital,
but also as the city of God.
He had built a great palace
and set up a glorious tent as a house for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He had not only led his people in battle,
but he had also led them in prayers of praise and thanksgiving
to the God who had made them his chosen people.
Now that was a king!
But what kind of king is bruised and beaten,
cursed and crucified
by the very people he intended to serve?
What kind of king is jeered rather than cheered?
What kind of king doesn’t even try to save himself
when people turn against him?
What kind of king indeed?
What king of a king is Jesus?
He is a king who is willing to die for his people,
a king who loves them so much
that he lays down his life for them.
And he is a king so full of mercy
that he looks even upon the guilty
and proclaims, “This day you will be with me in paradise.”
It is his love and his mercy
that defines his kingship.
Love and mercy that make him such a different kind of king.
What kind of king is Christ?
He is a king that calls us to love one another
and challenges us to be a merciful to others
as he has been to us.
He collects no taxes,
raises no army,
seeks no power, riches or glory for himself.
Everything he does he does for us.
Now, I don’t know about you,
but I know that’s the kind of king
I could follow.
To view the full scripture reading, click here.
Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S., is the director of advanced formation for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. He also directs Precious Blood Parish Missions.