Christ the King!

Today is the Feast of Christ the King. It marks the end of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. During the Mass, I couldn't help but reflect on my relationship with Jesus - how He is my Kuya... and my King at the same time. I remember reading about being a friend and subject to Jesus Christ in Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life:

"...[T]he word Jesus used when he called us 'friends' could refer to the 'friends of the king' in a royal court. While these close companions had special privileges, they were still subject to the king and had to obey his commands. We are friends with God, but we are not his equals. He is our loving leader, and we follow him."

I like how Jesus and I have an older brother-little sister relationship. In a way, there is really no confusion: little sisters are supposed to do what their older brothers ask them to do. :)

Sinking more deeply into my reflection, I couldn't help but be grateful for having been raised by parents who embraced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. My father, who was a prominent coach and sports director in our community in the Philippines, always started a pre-game team huddle with a prayer. He was a great role model: He knew that none of his coaching and leadership mattered without the Lord's guidance. My mother, on the other hand, was the strong and steady fortress that we came home to. Another great role model for me: She has always drawn her strength in solitude - a lot of time spent in prayer and reflection.

In a way, being raised with these two opposite, but equally strong personalities has molded me into the person that I've become, and has definitely paved the way to the type of relationship I have with the Lord. On the one hand, I enjoy every peaceful minute of spending quiet time with my Kuya - reading, reflecting, writing, blogging... But there is something exhilirating about leading and organizing people (the way I did when I was a leader in our church youth organization, and the way I am doing now as a parent leader in my children's preschool) - and knowing that every single assignment is fulfilled to glorify the True Leader, my King!

Lord Jesus, You are my Kuya and my King! Thank You for this wonderful relationship that we share. You are my strength, my anchor, and my guiding light.