Who is my King?

WHO IS MY KING?

After listening to the daily meditation Pray as You Go this morning which prompted me to take a look at the question. "Do I take Jesus for granted?" I found that not only do I take Jesus for granted on occasions, but I also take those around me for granted as well. Who exactly is my king? Is it work, is it those parts of me that I don't reveal to others, is it my pride?

THE KINGS OF THIS WORLD

We heard the word king used in a variety of contexts. For those familiar with the commercial from Paul's TV in which the owner states at the end "I am the king," we may reflect on that very product. Is TV our king. Do we bow to its every appeal? Are we caught in the endless spiral of binge watching programs for hours on in? Do we spend more time watching the endless stream of programs instead of reading spiritual books going to Mass, and spending silent time with our Savior.

Then we have the basketball player LeBron James who is commonly referred as the King.  LeBron is an idol to many young children and adults as well. The question then becomes do we make a person a king obsessing about their every move, buying their products, becoming a slave to the world of materialism?

On the note of materialism I can't help but lament the craziness of Black Friday. It truly is a dark spot on the spiritual calendar as people obsessed with getting the best deal. In contrast the Gospel reading on Friday has Jesus clearing out the temple of those that were hawking their items. Jesus makes it clear that the temple is a sacred space. Not only is he talking about the physical building, but for us as well. Do I have a time for sacred space during this holiday season?


Of course we cannot forget Burger King which brings the uncomfortable conversation of food right

after many of us of indulged in more than we have liked to on this Thanksgiving weekend. I have issues with food. It becomes a source of comfort when I am angry, feeling down, or bored. I can easily allow the thought of food and comfort become a focus instead of fasting. I personally do not like fasting because I feel that I am giving up something that I need in order to survive throughout the day.

ALL OR NOTHING

Bishop Robert Barron in his homily podcast for today Christ the King reminds us if we are truly giving ourselves to Christ, we give our all to Him not just those things that are easily surrendered. Giving up the desire to control our family members, our co-workers, and those close to us is challenging. The phrase, "I am the king of my own domain" very much conflicts with the Gospel message. Taking the time to acknowledge that Christ is my king in every aspect of my life is start. However holding on to those areas which I want to control is not easy, such as my health, my work, and the world beyond me.  Thus, I must trust that through faith Jesus Christ will do for me what I cannot do for myself.