When I was in High School in Elk River, we had a couple of Coronations each year. There was Homecoming where the queen was chosen by the students and the King (or Kings) who were the football Captains. Well, I come from a long line of Royalty, my Mom and Dad were Homecoming King and Queens for Elk River back in 1949, my older brother was the Football captain, and so was King, my next brother was also the captain, so he was King. My sister was selected Queen. And a few years ago, a nephew was crowned King . . . all this for Elk River High School.
Well, I played football, but I wasn’t the captain, so I wasn’t the Homecoming King. The other coronation we had was part of a Winter Festival, called Snow-Ball. The Queen and King were chosen by the students. Well, my Senior Year, I was up for Snow-Ball King and we had the usual goofy activities and pep-fests all week long. And for the Coronation . . . I lost.
Actually Bill Hudson, who was a reporter for WCCO TV for 31 years, won. Which was great for Bill’s a great guy. Anyway what would it mean to be King? That you get to brag about it? That you can now feel superior to others?
You see the problem with coronations is that one person is happy and all the rest are not. Or we think that a King has privileges or gets to decide things without others.
This weekend we celebrate Jesus as King, but the kind of King that Jesus presents is entirely different. In the gospel Pilate is threatened by his Kingship. But Pilate doesn’t understand, and actually many of us don’t understand . . . for we get “stuck” with a common notion of Kingship . . . lots of money, lots of power, lots of control.
But remember, the kind of King Jesus presents is different. A more accurate description is of a “Servant King.” One who presents life in such a different fashion . . . in giving we receive; turn the other cheek, give your life for the sake of others. Pause on that for a moment, especially in light of all the COVID concerns and vaccination questions . . . “Give your life for the sake of others.”
And here’s the interesting thing, no where in the gospels does Jesus ever say “worship me.” Other people say it about him, but he doesn’t require it. Instead he says “Follow me.” “Do as I would do.”
So how does this fit for your life right now? Well, let’s look ahead to Thanksgiving or to any of the holiday gatherings in the next weeks. Some of you will have no problem gathering with family or friends, for the conversation will be respectful and even stimulating. But there are some of you who are dreading the gatherings because you anticipate arguing and raised voices over issues.
So, here’s my advice . . . actually it’s the advice of Dr. Jeanne Safer author of the book
“I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics” . . . don’t talk about politics, change the subject, refuse to accept the bait. Dr. Safer writes, “It’s a dead end. If you’re looking for complete acceptance and total understanding, if you’re hoping to change people’s mind,” she said, “don’t even go.”
My advice is to follow Jesus. Do what he would do. I suggest that even before attending, and this applies to all of you, even if you are not anticipating trouble . . . say a word of thanks to God for each person attending. Just one thing that you are thankful for about each person.
Go into the gathering with well intentions, and think that they have good intentions. Follow the example of Jesus . . . respecting others, listening well, doing what is not expected . . . bless them and give thanks for them.
Follow Jesus. And you will be crowned.