As we heard in the psalm, Jesus Christ is the king who has received “the nations for an inheritance.” We have many models of kings throughout history. Ancient and modern, good and bad. But no king from this world can take away our fear.
Although the kingship of Jesus was prefigured by characters like David or Melchizedek, He truly breaks all the molds. He is the definitive model. It is important to identify the images into which we inevitably fit our limited understanding of the Lord, in order to constantly challenge the limits of our own journey of faith, our work and our life. We must continually learn what the reign of Jesus means. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and he continually challenges our tendency to settle. Only through Him can we reach the Father. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he tells us. “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
About yourselves, you affirm that you are “sent to journey, accompany and encourage the people of God,” and that you are rooted in “a spirituality of encuentro” to give “prophetic witness of unity, solidarity, joy and hope.” As disciples, you are called to walk, to live and to preach through Jesus, with Him and in Him. But to walk, accompany and encourage the people of God, you must first fully feel like members of God’s people. You must begin by accompanying each other, encouraging each other, and trying to walk united, not just together. Unity is the work of the Holy Spirit. You must be a community of communities and a point of reference for the people of God, the Body of Christ.
The communities taking shape through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas feel how they are continuing the work of Jesus. It becomes gradually clearer that He is the King of the Nations. All are summoned by the Holy Spirit.
A unity never seen before, not even dreamed of, is consolidated through participation in the Lord’s paschal banquet, in his word and in life lived as a witness of salvation. Saint Paul highlights that the Resurrection of Christ warrants our salvation, witnessed in action by the way in which God acts in his people. The law of Moses only hinted at the direction in which God would lead his people.
In the same way, the risen Lord makes himself present among you, first through the longing that the Holy Spirit has planted in your hearts. God’s work, carried out in the Eucharist as the origin and destination of your consecrated lives, and through the word that becomes life, must continue to grow through your witness. Your testimony as Latino leaders implies being well anchored in the Body of the risen Christ, to continue preaching Him faithfully. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Trust in the Holy Spirit.
He will make his prophetic voice more fruitful, while confirming your conviction about your origin and end. You must continue to learn what is the kingdom that Jesus establishes in you, among you, and through you. Allow the certainty about who moves you, and who you follow, to grow.
Pope Francis has said:“Consecrated life is expert in communion. Consecrated life is itinerant; it is a promoter of fraternity.” The life of the risen Christ should shine ever brighter through your testimony of communion, of life in constant development and of sisterhood. We know well that the Resurrection is the source of our unwavering hope, the fruit of the Passion and the Cross. Continue losing your life by giving it, being a sign of hope. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
May Our Lady of Guadalupe help you feel the comfort of her protection, so that the light of your testimony of the King of Nations continues to grow. Long live Christ the King!
