A sermon on Christ the King, John 18:33-37

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Benignus Catholic Church 
St. Mary Queen of Heaven
and Holy Trinity Catholic Church

A boy walked into a store and went straight to get a carton box to put in front of the telephone. The store owner watched all this with mild curiosity. Once the carton box was in place, the boy climbed on it and reached for the phone.

The boy dialed a number. When the other line picked up, he asked if they would hire him to cut their lawn. The person on the other end declined. The boy asked again.

He said, “I will cut the lawn better than whoever is cutting your lawn now. I can also sweep your curb, your sidewalk and your driveway. Your lawn will be the prettiest in all of the neighborhood.” He was making such a good pitch that the store owner couldn’t help but be impressed. 

As the boy replaced the phone in the receiver, the store owner couldn’t help but ask the boy, “Well, did you get the job?” 

The boy smiled, “No, I didn’t. They said they’re happy with the service they’re getting right now.” 

The store owner felt terrible for the boy. “I like your persistent attitude. I can give you a job.” 

To his surprise, the boy declined. “No, thank you. I am the one who cuts their lawn. I pretended to be someone else to check if they were happy with my work.” 

Christ the King Sunday reminds us that you work for God. He is your Boss. Your job is to please God with your body. The Word of God clearly says in Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship."

Jesus told Pilate, "Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37.) 

To give God true worship you don't have to call Jesus on the phone. God left us a manual of how to please Him. It's called the Bible where God has already voiced His Truth, testified by Jesus. What is the truth God wants you to hear?

When you are afraid, God speaks, "Do not fear, for I am with you." (Is. 41:10.)

When confronted with human need, Jesus speaks, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink." (Mt. 25:35.)

In the face of racism or hatred for someone different than you, there is God's voice that says, “You shall love the foreigner as yourself.” (Lev. 19:34).

In the darkness of death, Jesus says, “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (Jn. 11:25).

Next week starts Advent. Call God in prayer. Listen to Him speak. I close with the lyrics from Godspell's song "Day by Day:"

Day by day, oh, dear Lord, three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly, day by day.

Have a blessed Advent.