Embracing Our End

Solemnity of Christ the King

November 23, 2014

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory (Mt 25:31).”

Everything in this world has an end. All things, from a small pebble to the most complex living organism, cannot run away from their finish line. All form of life and human-built structure, from families to the rich and multi-national companies, are going to meet their closure sooner or later. Even scientists are in agreement that our universe are gradually yet inevitably moving toward its end. If there is one common trait that binds all things in this world, it is a final destiny.

However, honestly speaking, who among us are thinking seriously about our ultimate end? Many of us rather avoid this kind of thought, let alone discussing it. “Come on, brother, I don’t want to die. Let’s talk about something else.”, “Brother, why are you so morbid?” or “OMG! I am still young, why should I think about that?” We are so afraid that even by mere talking it, the end seems come closer. Why do we fear it? Perhaps because it is natural for us to preserve our lives, a kind of instinct for survival. Nobody wants to end his life, yet, deep inside, we are aware that this is surest reality in our lives.

Today, as we are celebrating the solemnity of Christ the King, the Church marks the end of the liturgical calendar. But, why does Church has to commemorate an ‘end’? Normally, we feast for a New Year, and not really an end year, but the Church has a different tone in this matter because the Church does not pretend that she has no terminal point. Jesus, the head of the Church, did not promise that the Church will not end, but rather He will be us always until the end of time (cf. Mat 28:20).

This may be an inconvenient truth, but still the truth that affects all of us. However, the Church understands that denial of this sure end is fruitless and a mere illusion. In fact, we may fail to see the purpose of life and to live to the fullest just because we take it for granted. Then, only by embracing it, we may make it fruitful and meaningful.

Through today’s celebration, the Church teaches us the key to embrace our end. We are wholly mistaken if we think of our end only in terms of destruction or death. Our end is actually Christ Himself. He is the King because everything finds its rest in Him. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his book Summa Theologiae, mentioned the fundamental truth that we all came from God and shall return to God. Yes, death and decomposition of our bodies are inevitable, yet with Christ as our end, we live not because we avoid death, but we live now for Christ. As we embrace our end, we focus on what is truly important in life: to love Jesus and to love others for Jesus. We accept that everything must come to an end, yet it is no longer fearsome death, but a Christ-filled life.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP