No Kings: Caesar - or Jesus?

Just before the crucifixion of Jesus, Caiphas, the high priest that year, inadvertently uttered a prophecy that was both chilling and perceptive: "Don't you realize that it is better for you to have one man die for the people, instead of having the whole nation destroyed." (Jn: 11:50)

This ancient prophecy seemed to echo across the country last week during the widespread "No Kings" protests. Could our agitated countrymen have inadvertently been uttering a prophecy? The "mostly peaceful" protests that saw cars set on fire and businesses looted suggests the future that lies in front of us if our country continues to drift from its founding Christian principles. It is Christ who came to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth and He alone who can bring unity from diversity. As we reject Christ, the King, diversity soon degenerates into tribal mayhem.

The alternative to Christ is, of course, Caesar, meaning any of the various forms of civic authority. The "No Kings" crowd had no problem when Joe Biden wielded his autopen and issued numerous executive orders or when he pardoned family and friends. And there were no objections when Barak Obama deported many who were in the country illegally. The outrage seems to be selective and personal.

The recent riots also reminded me of the parable where Jesus tells of a man of high rank about to be made king. He distributes gold coins to his servants and leaves. But his own people hated him and said, "We don't want this man to be our king." (Lk 19:14) Of course, the recent demonstrations were directed at President Trump but there seems to be an underlying anger and hatred that simmers just beneath the surface in so many hearts. The anger is directed at Trump, but it seems to be fueled by something more sinister.

It reminds me of the violent persecution of the Church during the Cristeros war in Mexico during the 1920's. The anti-Christian government of Plutarco Calles made no secret of its hatred for the Church and its desire to eliminate Christianity from the lives of the people. Hence the rallying cry of the Cristeros: "Viva Christo Rey!" (Long live Christ the King!)

The government had the weapons and the army, but they could not break the faith of the people. One of the great heroes of that time is Blessed Miguel Pro who died in front of a firing squad with a crucifix in one hand and a rosary in the other. His last words before he was executed were "Viva Christo Rey!" The authorities took pictures of his death with the intent of breaking the morale of the people. But it had the opposite effect as thousand filled the streets for his funeral and considered it an honor to carry his coffin. The faith of the people could not be broken by threats and violence.

As we approach the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and as we see the love of Jesus fade from the hearts of so many of our countrymen, let us redouble our efforts to console the Sacred Heart of Jesus by increasing our love for Him and showing our love by acts of mercy and peace. We have a King and we long for His reign. Viva Christo Rey!