Proposal for the theme of SFC Fremont CLP 2013

1. THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING
JESUS CHRIST
CLP 2013 Theme Proposal by: Lars Cabrera

2. What is ‘The Once and Future King’?
• This refers to the fantasy novel “The Once and Future King”
written by T.H. White which tells the story of King Arthur.
• The central theme of the novel is “an exploration of human
nature regarding power and justice, as the boy Arthur
becomes king and attempts to quell the prevalent ‘might
makes right’ attitude with his idea of chivalry. But in the end,
even chivalry comes undone since its justice is maintained by
force.”
• The novel is actually a collection of 4 different sub-stories,
beginning with “The Sword in the Stone”.

3. What does it have to do with Jesus?
• There are some connections/similarities in themes between King
Arthur’s tale and Jesus’ life.
• “Both Jesus and Arthur had something to prove - a fate bigger than
them to live up to. With courage and fortitude, both accepted the
destinies thrust upon them with little questioning or hesitation.”
• It has been said this quote is inscribed on King Arthur’s tomb: "Here
lies Arthur, king once, and king to be…“
• This quote applies to Jesus, in the sense that we acknowledge him
being simultaneously a reigning King and a future King-to-be (we
celebrate his birth, life and rule on Earth, as well as his Ascension
to the heavenly throne, i.e. “Risen King”)
• Jesus is both King (King of Kings) and Prince (heir to throne). Thus
the he is the true “The Once and Future King”.

4. How does this make a good CLP theme?
• We all praise and worship our King, Jesus, similarly as earthly
kings are by the people of their kingdoms.
• We are all called to serve our King in different ways
(CLP, Service Team, Candidate are “new recruits”).
• We are all serving to better our ‘kingdom’ through our many
talents and hard work (different Service Team
responsibilities, leaders stepping up/being
promoted, delegation of tasks…)
• Having a theme based on ‘medieval genre’ opens up countless
interesting creative options from the many resources
available. It can even touch a bit on the ‘fantasy/fairy tale’
genre, but it is something that is grounded in reality.

5. What does Scripture say?
• “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them
because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called,
chosen and faithful followers.” - Revelation 17:14
• “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
• “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to
testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” –
John 18:37
• “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government
will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.“- Isaiah 9:6
• “In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom
that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it
shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it
shall stand forever. “ – Daniel 2:44

6. How does this apply to 2013?
• Especially in this Year of Faith, where we face growing persecutions
and transgressions from political leaders and their decisions, we
must emphasize God’s role as the Supreme Ruler, King of Heaven
and Earth, and as such NO human (politician) law has power over
him.
• Examples: God has given all life a Sanctity that no human law can
ever negate, govt. allows abortion to remain legal yet should not
be. Govt. legalizes gay marriage, which is a direct violation of the
supreme law of God, who has already establish it is between a man
and woman. (These issues we as Catholics/Christians anticipate to
face more increasingly this year).
• Possible sentiment/motto: “We must obey God our Heavenly King,
and be loyal to him even in times we are faced with heavy
opposition (Govt. Mandates).” “We must fight for His Kingdom.”

7. Other Relevant Ideas
• We have many songs that refer to “Kingdom of God” or
“Jesus the King”, “Prince of Peace”.
• CLP Flyer is essentially a “royal invitation to the King’s
‘Castle’ for service and celebration”.
• CLP Service Team is the King’s Royal Court.
• Brothers can have title “Sir”, Sisters have “Lady”.
• CLP Dedication can be like a ‘knighting’ ceremony.
• Masculine: “Knight”, Feminine: “Dame”
• Actually covers 3 of our earlier proposed themes into one:
1. Fantasy/fairy tale, 2. King/Kingdom, 3.Royalty/Prince(ss)

8. "Say not therefore to the Lord: What doest
thou? But say in thy heart: Must not the Lord of
all the earth do right?“ – T.H. White, The Once
and Future King