Following Leviathan or Christ the King
Greetings on this the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Readings: 2 SM 5:1-3; PS 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5; COL 1:12-20; LK 23:35-43
Choosing Leaders
In every age and in all times we have leaders. Some are foisted upon us and others are selected by us.
The first reading today indicates that David was selected after a very lengthy war between the supporters of Saul and the supporters of David (2 Sam 3:1). Accordingly David enters into agreement with the leadership of the people.
The Lord himself selected David as attested by 1 Sam 16:1ff. Samuel finds David from among the brothers of Jesse of Bethlehem.
Then we can say together God and man selected David.
Let us be careful in understanding this and not as the current political peoples do. The selection by man was a political act and one of advantage and alliance. The selection by the Lord was different. David was selected to be Shepherd and Commander. Shepherd in all its meanings but especially in the area of governance.
One cannot understand the Shepherd call absent the divine understanding of that purpose and the antithesis of that purpose. I have written often on this so perhaps we can skip that today.
Source of Power
Ultimately the purpose of the Shepherd role is to deliver us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Making peace by the blood of his cross whether those on earth or those in heaven is the Shepherd standard.
If Jesus the Christ is the standard of the Shepherd, his actions and goals should be our criteria.
Gospel
Even now you sneer?
The reading today is of the sacrificial Christ who through his Kingship accepts even death on the Cross to redeem and return us to the Lord.
We are at a decision point between King Saul or King Jesus.
We must choose here in the USA between the King of Advantage/Alliance or the King of Shepherding and of Forgiveness.
Choose well.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
