In other words his enemies actually “said” the right things: "Hail King of the Jews," and bowed in homage. But here’s the thing: It was all a joke. They didn’t mean a word of it! We call it “speaking in jest” or teasing or making fun of. Their gestures of respect were empty and served to humiliate rather than to honor.

And then there is us. Here we are celebrating yet another Feast of Christ the King ~ Our King! We will gather for liturgy and say all the right things, lofty things, bold things, words of respect, songs of praise and gestures of homage. We will cry out: Come Thou, Almighty King! Come and reign over us! He is Lord! Crown Him with Many Crowns! All Glory Laud and Honor! All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name…etc. But do we have even the slightest idea what these words commit us to? Either we really mean what we say or we are the mocking crowd worshiping “in jest,” genuflecting in honor but winking at each other as we do so.

This year, we might to well to learn a lesson from the dying man on the cross next to Jesus who acknowledged that he had been condemned justly in accord with the crimes he had committed. He then proclaimed that Jesus had done nothing wrong.

Do you believe in the Christ who can do nothing wrong? Who does all things right? Then, trust him. He wants to be your King. Entrust yourself to him; submit to his Kingship and let him reign over your whole life. For those who will be with him in paradise will be the ones who do him homage on earth ~ not in jest, but for real!