'Hidden King': a Reflection for Christ the King Sunday

In some churches today, the Sunday before Advent, is celebrated as Christ the King Sunday. When we think of a King, we often think in an institution where someone has great power, status or wealth. In the coming of Christ in human flesh and in his teaching is a strong theme of a different picture of kingship. A picture of someone who comes in weakness and poverty, whose true subjects are those who recognise their king in the outcasts of society.

Today's gospel reading is Matthew 25: 31 - 46. It is a parable about the judgement of the nations when Christ comes in glory and welcomes those who have served the least of Christ's family - the stranger, the prisoner, the naked, the sick, the hungry and thirsty. It is one of the most challenging passages of the gospels. Here is my poetic reflection on Matthew 25: 31 - 46 that I first posted in 2014.

Hidden King

when did we see you?

We saw no King,

only a scrounger

begging on the street.

Hidden King,

when did we refuse you

food, drink and clothes?

We could have given our best

if we had seen you.

Hidden King,

when did we refuse you

care when you were sick?

We could have cared for you

if we had seen you.

Hidden King,

when did we ignore you

when you were imprisoned?

We could have helped

if we had seen you.

Hidden King

where is your throne?

We saw no throne,

only a dead tree

and a man hanging there.

Hidden King

where is your crown?

We saw no crown,

only a brutal wreath

of piercing thorns.

Hidden King,

why did you come naked,

with no royal regalia?

We could have bowed

if we had seen you.

Hidden King,

is it our fault

that we neglected you

because we did not see you?

Image Credit: Commons Wikipedia