Column: By What Authority?

We human beings often have a pretty conflicted relationship with authority. On the one hand, words like “obedience” can often have certain negative connotations, such as those who are bound to the will of another without any room for freedom of thought or self-direction. On the other hand, we expect people to give us certain deference in areas where we have expertise (such as in our work) or in areas where we have a natural level of authority (such as with parents and their children). As we come to celebrate the end of the liturgical calendar, we reach the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. King. Of the universe. That’s quite a great deal of authority Jesus possesses.

Now, we have no trouble thinking of examples of earthly tyrants who abused their authority and who have caused a great deal of suffering for many people. A just ruler, meanwhile, is one who leads his people, his kingdom, to proper fulfillment. This doesn’t mean everything will be easy. There are wars to fight and rationing which must take place in times of famine. There are taxes to be levied for the functioning of the kingdom. All of these things can take place even under a just ruler. Indeed, we can find something similar in the life of faith. We are engaged in a constant spiritual battle against the devil and his fallen angels, and it is one we have no option but to fight in. Moreover, just as Joseph rationed food in Egypt during a time of famine, so too are we called to store up our treasures in Heaven, saving them for when we can use them best rather than squandering them now. Lastly, we can see how we are called to give of ourselves (the standard “time, talent, and treasure”) for the building up of the Kingdom of God.

What, ultimately, defines the proper use of authority? It’s whether the ruler is seeking to have their own good served or seeking the good of those under their authority. What does God desire for us but that we be free from the lesser goods of this world in order to pursue the greater goods found in relationship with Him in Heaven? There is nothing we can add to God and no good which He isn’t capable of possessing. So when we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus’ Kingship, we can recognize that God seeks only our good and that, while there may be difficulties and sacrifices (e.g. battle, deferred gratification, and sacrifice of earthly goods), it is all part of His plan of caring for us. May we seek to live in conformity with His will and authority, and so come at last to that Heavenly Kingdom where we can find true and lasting peace.