I’m a King & You’re a King!

We are also priests and prophets! This week, I chose to write about our office of king, given to us in baptism. What does it mean to share in Christ’s kingship? For sure, the royal office gives the baptized a great responsibility of mission. I have mused on two aspects of our kingship: service to others and governance over self.

Because we are baptized into the Body of Christ, who was anointed as priest, prophet, and king, we share in his likeness in these offices. These offices are special; they call us to service and we are given grace to follow Christ in his mission of salvation; “He exercises his kingship by drawing all men to himself through his death and resurrection,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 786).

It is through kingly service that Jesus sacrificed himself to gain us back and to lead us into God’s kingdom. Being a king is not about power, prestige, and wealth. Jesus models this when he washes the feet of the disciples; he says, “the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28).

Next, our kingship gives us authority over ourselves and over sin. This royal office gives us strength to say no sin and temptation. We should therefore remember and call upon our kingship when facing temptation, and the will is strengthened. For me, this practice gives me a sense of responsibility; I cannot dwell on my human weaknesses. Instead, I am to remember that I have been given authority over sin and the devil. Kingship is a wonderful gift that the Lord has shared with us- it helps us to love, serve, and avoid sin.