The maxim “With great power comes great responsibility” has become a bland phrase. But it’s still a truism, and that makes it, by definition, true—even if we divorce it from the world of Peter Parker. The proof is in the many examples of those with the power to rule. Some use their position open-handedly like Saint Louis of France, whom the Church celebrates today. Others selfishly clutch their authority with pride and fear. But no matter when and where we live, we have another King who transcends our earthly maxims: Jesus Christ.

The saints pray with conviction to Christ as their King. They know he will hear their supplications in his heavenly court, even when earthly kings refuse. Their confidence in this royal imagery informs their life of prayer. We see this for example in Blessed Humbert of Romans (Commentary on the Rule of Augustine, c. 51), who uses royal imagery to show that we should pray more on feast days because the King gives more to his subjects when they honor him. We gather to give praise to our heavenly King on special occasions, and he, in turn, gives gifts to those who worship him. “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him” (Ps 147:11).

Conversely, many created rulers fail to reign with Christ’s generosity. Take King Herod, for instance (see Matt 14:3–12; Mk 6:17–29). On his birthday, he “gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee” (Mk 6:21). When he fulfills his daughter’s request out of a so-called benevolence, he has selfish motives: preserving his royal reputation. “Because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison” (Matt 14:9–10). Herod is a true example of a king who uses his power and riches to serve himself rather than others. He wants to flaunt his power by appearing generous, but he ends up clinging to this power for fear of embarrassment. Rather than governing generously, he sits on the throne of self-love.

In contrast to earthly kings, Christ offers an instruction for his disciples:

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt 20:25–28).

Christ’s humble kingship inspired rulers like St. Louis of France and many generations of disciples. Jesus has “made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Rev 5:10). Our King gives so many gifts, but we do not hoard them merely to serve ourselves (1 Cor 4:7). Rather, Christ’s gifts are given to us as a share in his royal splendor. Saint Peter exhorts us with this same truth: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pt 4:10).

Christ is the King to whom we pray, and he is unlike any other king. When we celebrate his majesty, he doesn’t throw a feast of self-indulgence. Rather, he gives generously to those who love and serve him, and his gifts are for his glory and our benefit. Unlike earthy kings, his treasuries never diminish. The throne from which he bestows these gifts is not glamorous by worldly standards. His throne is the cross, “the source of all blessings, the cause of all graces” (Saint Leo the Great). Let us, then, confidently approach the throne of Christ, who is both Lord and Lamb.

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Photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. (used with permission).