The example of Jesus speaks to the noblest parts of our natures, to faithful lives of faith, hope and love. This is the kind of reign Jesus came to establish on earth, not a reign of power and dominance over others, but of loving service to our fellow man. When Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you a King?” he replied that he was born to “testify to the truth,” adding that “everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 18 : 37 ).

This special kingdom was established by God through his Son who came to save us from sin. His reign is not of this world, but of spirit and truth which reside within us. Those who jeered at the dying Jesus on the cross, did not understand the nature of his reign. They expected a kingdom of this world (Luke 23:35–43).

There is no earthly match to Jesus’s rule among men. Like a good shepherd who doesn’t push or shove His flock from behind but walks ahead of them, He shows us the Way, he seeks us out when we’re helpless, rescues us when we’re trapped, forgives us when we fall away, and raises us up to new life again.

We enter into this blessed state of being when we acknowledge our sin and are reconciled with God and our fellow man. Much of the sickness, poverty, and suffering in this world are traceable to the disharmony that separates people from their Creator and from one another. By healing the root problem of disharmony in our lives we position ourselves to receive God’s grace in all areas of our lives, spiritual as well as physical, moral as well as material, social as well as psychological. To try to solve the world’s problems and our own without first making peace with God is to miss the point. It is putting the cart before the horse. This is why Jesus asks of us to put God’s kingdom and His approval first in our lives. Everything else, he assures us, will fall into place. (Matthew 6:33).

This special kind of king does not come in judgment or with punishment and condemnation but with empathy and reconciliation, and love. He comes to lift up sinners, he wills not the loss of anyone, he welcomes “everyone who belongs to the truth.” He is to be recognized by the pure of heart, by the meek, by the poor in spirit, by people of compassion, peace and justice. And, judgment will be levied according to our example of feeding, clothing, housing, refreshing and consoling those in need ( Matthew 25 : 31-46 ). His motto is: “whatsoever you do for the least of my people, you do unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

It is in the little steps we take that build up this kingdom of Christ. So, put one foot in front of the other and commit yourself to following him and helping others. You are not just reserving a place for yourself in the new kingdom. You are leading others to it as well.

You are following the lead of Christ, the King.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy