Liturgy
‘GOOD NEWS’ for the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“He will take his seat on his throne of glory” (Matthew 25:31-46)
The reflection is Fr Richard Leonard's homily for this Sunday. It is printed here with kind permission. Fr Richard Leonard SJ is the Director of the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting, is a member of the Australian Catholic Media Council and is author of Preaching to the Converted, Paulist Press, New York, 2006.
The Roman Emperor Constantine was baptised in 337. He put it off for years. In the early Church Christians could only confess their sins once in their lives, so Constantine remained a catechumen until he was nearing the end. When he thought his death was imminent, and that he could probably sin no more, he asked for baptism, received Holy Communion and later confessed his sins. It was a watershed moment for the Church.
In 313 Constantine declared that Christianity was to be the new state religion. No one could hold any other belief. It was meant to unify the Empire as trade, law, taxation and Roman culture had done. I think we should admit that this move has been a mixed blessing for the Church ever since.
On the positive side of the ledger it finally sealed the end of the persecution of the earliest Christians. The blood of the martyrs had been so eloquent that their witness caused even a few emperors to ask what sort of love would see so many followers be prepared to die for their beliefs. It also saw the Church become a significant player in shaping the values of society, especially in the West. There is no question that Christianity moderated, cultivated and humanised some of the worst Roman excesses.
On the cost side, the Church became very powerful very quickly. Bishops started to wear the purple robes of the senators. Churches took on the shape of the Roman basilicas, while the government of the Church mirrored that of the Empire. Our liturgy imported all sorts of practices that were popular in the Roman temples. Tragically, for the next few hundred years, conversions were demanded at the end of a sword. No religious dissent or pluralism was tolerated. It’s in this context that Islam arises against Imperial Christianity in the 6th Century.
Image © Creative Ministry Resources
It cannot surprise us that after Constantine’s conversion the image of Christ the King becomes one of the most popular ones used in religious art. Up to this time the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was the most represented. After 313, however, Jesus is dressed in royal robes, with a crown, sceptre and orb. Mary is often presented in similar dress and starts to be called the Queen of Heaven.
The problem with all this is not that imperial language was now being used in reference to Jesus. He described himself as a King. The problem comes in how Christianity starts to forget that Jesus also pointed out that his kingdom was ‘not of this world’ and that his courtiers could be recognised by how they feed the hungry, water the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit prisoners. Jesus’ reign, and his courtiers, are of an altogether different order to that usually prized in worldly kingdoms.
That’s why today’s feast is so important. On the last day of the Church’s year we are challenged by Christ our King to give our true allegiance to what really matters. Not ambition, greed, status and power, but the quiet revolutionary work of making the world a more just and peaceful place for everyone to live.
To the degree that we do this we are co-heirs to the Kingdom Jesus lived, died and was raised for, and we are witnesses to the real meaning of Christ’s reign in our lives.
©Richard Leonard SJ
Community Liturgy
The final Community Liturgy for 2017 will be celebrated next Friday, 1 December and will be prepared by Year 8. All Year 8 students, whether or not they are ‘leaders’, as well as their families are especially welcome! The invitation is extended to everyone in the College extended community to join this joyful celebration which continues in the café afterwards for those able to stay. Further queries about Community Mass:
lumley.mary-anne@johnxxiii.edu.au or 9383 0513.
When: Fridays in Term Time
Time: 8:00-8:30am
Where: College Chapel
Parish News
Next Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent and many parishes will celebrate special liturgies and events. Please see information below for ‘The Road to Bethlehem’ an annual celebration of music and scripture in the parish of St Thomas, Claremont.
Next week there will be further information from some of our local parishes.
