The other morning, I came across an article that caught my attention. It was about families struggling to come together for Thanksgiving in the wake of bitter political divisions. As we all know, every four years, the American ritual of electing a new president gets more contentious, more polarizing, and often more divisive. This year, the article discussed how families with differing political ideologies are navigating Thanksgiving—a holiday traditionally meant to unite us in gratitude.

Thanks so much for stopping by to read this homily for the SOLEMNITY OF JESUS CHRIST KING OF THE UNIVERSE- November 24, 2024.  I appreciate your sharing this on your social media posts and your feedback and comments…  I’m also grateful for all those who’ve asked for the audio version and share them as well at SOUNDCLOUD click HERE or from ITUNES as a podcast HERE.  May the Lord be glorified in your reading and sharing- Father Jim

Some families like my own family, have decided it’s better to avoid the subject altogether—especially since the holiday often devolves into loud discussions over something as mundane as whether the turkey is ready or not.  Others though have decided to bring their online feuds offline, continuing their Facebook battles in person. One man admitted he was anxious about gathering, knowing that the addition of a few glasses of wine would only “amplify” the tension. In another case, an individual decided to decline an annual Thanksgiving dinner with their elderly neighbor because they were so angry with who their neighbor supported – and somewhat proudly posted about it and argued with people who gently encouraged them to reconsider on twitter.

There’s something deeper and disturbing happening: Elections have become like sports events where people choose sides, fight to win, and then declare a “victor” or a “loser.” The truth? Is a second thought if it’s a thought at all.  The Truth often gets lost in the battle.  Instead of a desire to work toward what is just, what is good for all, politics can often seem more about self-interest, winning at any cost, and silencing the other side.

And in the process, the truth is often sacrificed. And we see the results: voter turnout remains discouragingly low—only about half of eligible voters actually show up on election day—and many who do vote express doubts that their vote will actually lead to meaningful change.  It’s no surprise that so many are frustrated with the system, or worse, apathetic.

This political climate mirrors what we hear about in today’s Gospel. Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, and the crowd demands His crucifixion. They have chosen sides: either you accept the status quo and the authority of Rome, or you reject it—no middle ground. Even Pilate, the Roman governor, feels the tension. He knows Jesus is innocent, but the pressure is too great. He asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” and yet, despite the clamor of the crowd, something in Pilate’s question suggests that he sees something royal in Jesus. It’s a question of power, but also of truth—something Pilate is unable or unwilling to fully recognize. The truth is that Jesus is the King of a different kind of kingdom, one not defined by power, politics, or self-interest. He is the embodiment of truth itself, yet He is condemned by those who refuse to see it.

On this Feast of Christ the King, we are invited to reflect on this profound contradiction: how a man who was rejected, condemned, and crucified is the very King of the universe. This feast doesn’t celebrate a King who reigns through force, power, or political maneuvering.   Scandalously to the world, we celebrate a King who reigns (not has reigned or will reign, but REIGNS) through love, humility, and sacrifice—through a self-giving love that transcends all human divisions.

In the first reading from the Book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), we hear about a vision of a “Son of Man” who is given dominion, glory, and kingship over all peoples, nations, and languages. His reign is eternal. Unlike the fleeting kingdoms of this world—empires that rise and fall—Christ’s Kingdom will never end. It is a Kingdom built on truth, righteousness, and justice, not on the shifting sands of political power.

In the second reading (Revelation 1:5-8), St. John greets us with the image of Jesus as the “faithful witness” and the “ruler of the kings of the earth.” He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was, who is, and who is to come. He is not a king like any other. He is the eternal King, whose reign is not limited to this world, but encompasses all of creation, and whose Kingdom is one of unshakable truth.

And in today’s Gospel from John (John 18:33-37), Pilate pointedly asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” To this, Jesus responds that His Kingdom is not of this world. This “King” is not a conqueror with a sword, but a servant who sacrifices Himself for the sake of His people. His kingdom is not confined to that time and space or any other measure of this world, and its power is not the power of domination, but the power of self-sacrifice and love.

So, what does this mean for us today?

It means that the political battles we face—whether in Washington, our local communities, or even at family gatherings—are not the ultimate arena where Christ’s Kingdom is manifest. While it’s important to be involved in society and seek justice, for us to do our civic duty in the political and electoral processes we’re priveleged to enjoy as Americans, particularly as we know so many who hav fought and died for us to have those rights that countless people still do not enjoy to this very day.   But never at the expense of our eternal responsibilities.  We are a part of Christ’s Kingdom which operates on a different set of principles. It’s not about winning or losing in the way the world defines those terms. It’s not about forcing people into our ideological corners or silencing those with whom we disagree.  Christ’s Kingdom is about truth — the truth that Jesus is King, not through power, but through love. The truth that His reign is eternal, and it transcends all human ideologies and divisions.

This brings us to Pilate’s question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” This question is not just for Jesus; it’s for us. Do we recognize Jesus as the King of our lives? Are we willing to place His Kingdom above our own political views, above our own desires for power and control? Are we willing to follow the way of the King who was mocked, rejected, and crucified, but whose love and truth are the very foundations of the world?

In a world where so many are divided, where truth is often lost in the noise of politics and self-interest, we are called to be citizens of a different Kingdom. Christ the King calls us to follow Him, to live by His example of humility, sacrifice, and truth. As we celebrate this feast today, let us ask ourselves: Are we ready to place our allegiance to Christ the King above all else? Are we willing to serve Him, not just with our words, but with our lives?

May Christ, our King, reign in our hearts today and always.