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Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the image of Christ—our King. This may evoke different ideas for us. For some, it reminds us of a story we read in our childhood, while for others, it brings to mind their study of kings of a past historical era. The idea of a king may seem paradoxical given our society’s emphasis on equality. Yet the idea of someone with the ability to rise above, who can grant special favors, is also a part of this idea.
Imagine a king so capable of granting gifts and requests that other kings seek him out. A king of kings ready to answer our deepest desires. While holding this image in mind, consider the words of Christ the King in the gospel today: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Is it possible that through these words he is granting us a favor we are seeking in the form of an answer to these deepest desires?
Jesus rises above the everyday and is capable of granting us special favors—if only we have the courage to ask for what we want.