Christ the King

Sermon Preached at Evensong & Benediction on the feast of Christ the King.

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. What is Christ’s kingdom and what does it mean for us? I think one answer to those questions can be found in tonight’s readings.

In our first reading the Prophet Isaiah sees a day when the two great nations, Egypt and Assyria, who have historically been opposed to the Jewish people will unite with Israel to worship the Lord. He literally sees many of their differences being paved over with a great highway that stretches through each land.

In our second reading, Peter writes that Christ died for the sins of all, the righteous as well as the unrighteous, that he might bring all of us to God. He illustrates his point by stating that Jesus preached even to the dead, thus ensuring that everyone hear the Good News.

Christ’s kingdom is open for all of us. Jesus is the savior and head of all peoples. Not just some peoples, not just important peoples or rich peoples, but all peoples. And he invites all of us to become citizens of his kingdom through Baptism.

As people of faith and citizens of that kingdom, I believe that we are called to show others that God welcomes them too. There are many ways to do that, but I think Saint Peter gives a good starting point. He says: “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”

Whether greeting a newcomer at church on a Sunday morning, talking with a friend over coffee, or answering questions from a stranger on a train, I think that being able to speak kindly with others about our faith in Jesus can help point someone towards Jesus. I think that’s something that each of us can do. I believe that it is something that we, as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, are called to do.