In his homily for the Feast of Christ the King of the Universe, Father Jean-Michel Moysan invites us to meditate on this apparent paradox of the Gospel: "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself and us with you..." (Luke 23:37). While the liturgy presents us with the crucifixion, the priest's teaching illuminates how Jesus exercises His kingship precisely at the moment when human power seems to abandon Him.
Kingship in Trial and Suffering
Father Moysan emphasizes that when Jesus is on the cross, He performs no more miracles and can no longer physically help anyone. This apparent powerlessness resonates particularly with suffering souls, the sick, or the elderly and bedridden who often confide: "I feel useless, I can no longer do anything... everyone gives me orders." Yet, it is at this very instant that Jesus continues to hold supreme authority. Pilate's inscription, "This is the King of the Jews," states a profound truth: to be king is to possess a recognized authority, capable of making the world kneel, even when the King is crucified.
The Example of Saint Louis as Reported by Joinville
To help us understand the nature of this Christian authority, the homily cites a model king of France, Saint Louis. Father Moysan recounts the writings of Joinville, the chronicler and friend of the monarch, who testifies to the high spirituality of Louis IX. The saintly king said: "Men are strange; they blame me for my assiduity in prayer, and they would say nothing if I spent longer hours playing games of chance or hunting beasts."
The teaching highlights the Christian sense of kingship according to Saint Louis, drawn from fasting and prayer rather than frivolities: "If I spend a lot of money sometimes, I prefer to do it in alms given for the love of God than for frivolities and worldly things. God has given me all that I have. What I spend thus is well spent." This is the image of a human authority that prefigures that of Christ through its sense of justice and self-giving.
A Divine Authority That Transcends Death
Father Moysan reminds us that, according to the Gospels, Jesus always acted with great authority, provoking this question from witnesses in Palestine: "What is this? A new teaching with authority!"
This sovereignty does not disappear on the Cross; on the contrary, it is fully revealed there. Unlike the executioners who thought to silence Him, Christ's example compels admiration. The priest cites the Roman soldier who, after the Savior's death, exclaims: "Truly this man was the Son of God!" This strength mingled with gentleness obtains the conversion of the good thief who implores: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Thus, at His death, he will be the first welcomed into the Kingdom.
In conclusion, the homily teaches us that Jesus is King on the Cross because His human powerlessness reveals the divine power of love. In His final prayer, "into your hands I commend my spirit," He shows Himself to be the true King for us, humans. Father Moysan therefore exhorts us to kneel before this Master and Lord who is powerful for us.