The first reading reminds us that the earliest kings were warriors. They were the ones who led others into battle and were victorious. For this reason, David was made the King of Israel because he had led them to much military success. The people considered the king then to be the primary shepherd of the people, the one to watch over the flock and fight their battles.
Paul reminds us that it is not the king who wins the battles but God himself. He is the one who delivers from darkness. Paul reminds us that Jesus is a kjng, but a king who sacrifices himself despite having power and dominion from of old. In the Gospel we hear the crowds mocking Jesus as the “King of the Jews”. This reading reminds us that Jesus is a King with humility, not a king with power and an oversized ego. How do we respond to others who mock us or treat us unjustly because of our faith? Do we fight back or do we tum the other cheek? As the last Sunday before Advent begins perhaps, we should already be looking into our hearts to see if the King dwells there.
Countenance of God 