Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from November 25, 2007
"In him all things hold together." Col 1:17
At Christmas dinner in the Creedon household we looked forward to the moment when my father took a bottle of Hennessey brandy, sprinkled it generously on the plum duff and struck a match to light a fire that delighted the pyromaniacs around the table. Invariably the fun was interrupted by a firm command from my mother, "Be quiet and let us listen to the Queen's Christmas Address to the Commonwealth." We were reluctant to listen, none more so that Da, who had roots in the Fianna Fail Party and the Irish rebellion.
This ambivalence about royalty was not unique to the Irish. America was born in an ouster of King George. In the new experiment in democratic government, no place was left for monarchy. Recently some neo-conservative political theorists have shown interest in empire, claiming that America needs to use its military pre-eminence to advance its ideals across the globe. However, this idea flies in the face of the history of this nation.
Members of our hierarchy have been quick to proclaim that our church is not a democracy. Neither are we a monarchy. In our history, we have borrowed many of the trappings of the Roman Empire. Especially since Vatican II, however, pastors are required to consult with God's people and make decisions in a more collegial style.
How do we react to calling Christ a King?
He was named a King, and the Kingdom was the central theme of his preaching. He was a different kind of king. He wore a crown not made of gold, but a ring of thorns. His throne was a cross. He wore royal purple, but his garment was torn to shreds. He sat on the judgment seat, not to judge but to be judged. Unlike Caesar entering his capital city with a victorious parade with chariot and stallions, he entered Jerusalem on a donkey.
The Kingdom of his Father that he proclaimed was a dominion of love, of justice and of peace. The values of the Kingdom were laid out by Him in the Beatitudes. The essential qualities of the Kingdom are found in the texts of the Mass of the Feast of Christ the King. The preface lists the signs of the messianic times. It has been described as the charter for the Church. The Opening Prayer sums up the values evident when God reigns; "Father all powerful, God of love, you have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death to life, resplendent in glory as King of creation. Open our hearts, free all the world to rejoice in his peace, to glory in his justice, to live in his love. Bring all humankind together in Jesus Christ."
God's reign includes all of creation. The planet is not the plaything of humans to be used and abused. It is sacred. Notice the conjunction of peace and justice. The candidates for the presidency were recently asked an impossible question: to choose between security and human rights. They were foolish enough to answer. Remember Paul the VI's saying, "If you want peace, work for justice." Justice leads to security, there is no security without human rights. The dream of a world united is evidenced in Jesus' final testament: "That all might be one."
How do we respond to Christ the King of Creation? With melting ice caps, it is tempting to believe that our earth is beyond retrieval. As one of the criminals depicted by the cross, we may be cynical of God's claims. We are challenged with the good thief to hope against hope, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Let us allow Christ to lay claim to our energy and ambition.
Our response is more than an individual answer. It is a task for communities. Our purpose as a church is to be a sign and instrument of the Kingdom. Our bishops enjoin on us the urgency of praying for the Annapolis peace talks. The coming together of Israelis and Palestinians would surely be a sign of the Kingdom.
Our bulletin carries our parish mission; "We call on all to offer their unique gifts in building the reign of God's love..."
"Thy Kingdom come."