Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
The people stood by, watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, “Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!” The soldiers also mocked him and, when they drew near to offer him bitter wine, they said, “So you are the King of the Jews? Save yourself!” Above Jesus there was an inscription in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, “So you are the Messiah? Save yourself, and us as well!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “In truth I tell you, today, you will be with me today in paradise.”
Reflection:
"The Son of God and King of all."
Read: David is anointed King of Israel. Paul encourages us to give thanks for having a share in the communion of saints and in God’s kingdom of light. The title “King of the Jews” is above Jesus’ head as he hangs on the cross. The good thief recognizes Jesus as Saviour and King.
Reflect: Christ is like no earthly king. The cross shows us the kind of king Jesus is. He cares enough to be rejected He is the king of love who cares enough to suffer and die for us. In the first reading the Israelites made David their king. What they expected of a king was that he would be like God. For them, that meant especially that the king should look after those who couldn’t look after themselves. That was the ideal. Now, in Jesus we see that ideal king made real, as Jesus, the Son of God and King of all, heals our helpless, broken humanity through his death on the cross. Through our baptism, Christ makes us part of his royal family and asks us to imitate his kingship by being his co-workers in charity.
Pray: Give thanks to Christ your King for his endless love.
Act: Join a procession for Christ the King today if there is one near you today.
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