SOLEMN FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING C

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YOU ARE MY KING





We are now in the last week of the church year, the liturgical year, and the gospel transports us to the foot of the Cross (Lk 23). Our celebration centers on the kingship of Christ, and the gospel reminds us of the scene of the crucifixion and death of the Lord.  Why is this so?



As Jesus hanged on the cross, suffering and dying slowly, the gospel describes the reactions of the people around him. The rulers “sneered” at Jesus because of the hatred in their hearts. The soldiers “jeered ” at him because of their indifference. A crucified criminal “reviled” him because of his self-centeredness even in the face of death.  In other words, none of these people acknowledged who he presented himself to be. They rejected his person, life and mission.  For the unbelieving crowd around Jesus, this crucified man, could never be their king.



The Kingdom of God, the kingship of Christ his Son, is not a divine imposition of power and control. In the Bible, it is clear that the Kingdom involves two actions, one coming down – descending- and one going up – ascending.  God comes down to meet us where we are, bringing his love, forgiveness and offer of salvation in his Son, Jesus Christ. But men and women must go up to meet God as he comes, opening their hearts and accepting to cooperate with the Lord in their daily lives, in their renewed lives of grace.



So the Kingship of Jesus is best illustrated in the life of the other crucified criminal who rebuked the earlier criminal who insulted the Lord. He saw in Jesus the innocence of love and the sincere offer of God’s grace. He saw in Jesus the God who comes down to his level of sinfulness and suffering to join him in his death. The criminal then decided to go up and meet the Lord, as he opened his heart to repentance that brought him forgiveness and the promise of heaven.  This man met the true King, his King, at last.



Do we fail to see Jesus in our lives because of our anger, indifference, and selfishness? Let us imitate the “good thief” who humbly let go of his sordid past to embrace the goodness of the King who comes to save him.




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