Many of us seem to be quite caught up with attaining various types of qualifications these days. When we have completed a course or studies, we expect to receive a diploma, degree or some form of paper stating the kind of qualification we have achieved. Such paper is called a certificate, and some of us may even frame it and place it on the wall, either in some prominent place in our home, or at our office, to show others how qualified or learned we are. When we go to the hospital for a checkup, some of us may also receive a certificate of fitness, to show that we are healthy. Such a certificate of fitness is sometimes required when we apply for a job, or when we apply to go for studies in a college or university or some other institution of learning. But all these certifications here are only temporary and useful while we are on earth.
As we know, the ways of God are not the same as the ways of the world. When it comes to being a king, God’s idea of being King is quite different from the worldly idea of being king, as Jesus tells us: “Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.” Jesus also adds: “Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.” So, just as God’s understanding of being King is quite different from worldly understanding of being king, God’s understanding of what is required to gain some sort of “certification” with Him, is quite different from the worldly understanding of certification. Of course, God’s certification does not come in the form paper, rather it involves certain attitudes, behaviour, way of life, in other words, things that really matter to God, so to speak.
So what things could really matter to God? What really matters would be whether we have been faithful to God, faithful to being Jesus’ disciples and faithful to Jesus’ teachings; whether we have been focused in being of service like Jesus the servant King, by serving others without expecting anything in return, instead of being like an earthly king who lords it over others; and perhaps by allowing change and conversion to take place in our lives. Thus, instead of being so concerned with worldly qualifications which many do, we should change our focus towards eternal qualifications which would bring greater and longer lasting benefits to us.
Thus, let us let Jesus be our King and our guide, since as the second reading tells us: “Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the First-Born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve God and Father; to him, then, be glory and power for ever and ever.” May we follow His ways and concentrate on what really matters to God, on His “certifications,” for our eternal future and happiness.