The Lord is King, Let the Earth Rejoice!

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on November 17, 2022

This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast Day of Christ the King. Instituted in 1925, this Feast Day of Christ the King, invites all believers, the Church, to remember and rejoice in who Christ is and consequently who we are. Jesus is King above all Kings. His reign is supreme and eternal. Because we have been baptized into the family of the King, we can live constantly in hope and joy, even in tumultuous circumstances.    

      But what is Christs’ kingship like? The apostle, Paul gives us a depiction of the glory of Christ the King. Paul (Colossians 1:15-17) declares, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones and dominions or rulers or powers; all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him and in him all things hold together.” Christ is King because Christ is One with God and all that exists was created by Him. The great universe is sustained, held together each moment, by Him. Christ was and is and will forever be. His rule is marked by loving care for God’s people, wisdom, justice, righteousness, and humility.

       In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 23:33-43) we see Jesus Christ the Great King hanging on a cross between two criminals, seemingly helpless. The folks around thought themselves dominant and they mocked and demeaned Jesus. The paradox is that the wisdom and righteousness of King Jesus far exceed what humans can imagine. Jesus humbly submitted to torture and crucifixion for His reign is one of righteousness and non-violence. He endured all but reigned consistently from His interior throne of mercy and compassion. And so, dying on the cross, King Jesus prays, not for Himself, but for those who abuse Him, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Christ the King so loves humanity, He intercedes for the salvation of even those nailing Him to the cross. What kingly purposefulness!  

    We then hear of the criminal, also being crucified. He admits his wrongdoing and being awakened to Jesus’ divine power, he pleads, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  With His kingly authority, Jesus absolves the criminal and declares, “today, you will be with me in Paradise.” In Jesus’ declaration we hear the fullness of His kingly purpose; to lead all people into the place of eternal peace and harmony with God. King Jesus suffers and dies to reconcile us to Himself and to God, the Father. King Jesus conquers even death and rises to new, everlasting life, opening the way to eternal life for us. Jesus lives forever and has ultimate authority and power over all thrones and dominions, even death. 

     The Lord is King! We have every reason to rejoice! This Feast Day calls us to rejoice and praise Christ the King, grateful for the light of His love and glory that has the power to transform our hearts and lead us out of the darkness of sin and into the way of eternal peace. We rejoice for as Children of the King we are offered the gift of hope always. As we rejoice, we commit to lives of remembrance. Remember always, Jesus Christ is King of Kings!  

Tags: hope, joy, king, eternal life, eternal, everlasting life, supreme, feast day

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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