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The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Reflection
Our Gospel this weekend presents us with a paradoxical approach to understanding kingship.
Most royalty who ascend to a throne undergo an extravagant coronation with elaborate planning based on tradition, a strict adherence to well-developed protocols, they don impressive attire with a crown of jewels, furs, expensive fabrics, receive a scepter and have a retinue of guests who vie for an invitation and who represent the powerful and the mighty of their time and culture.
Within our own country, we could point to our process of Presidential Inauguration with its traditions and fanfare as we install “the most powerful (person) in the world” as we have come to describe the nature of the U.S. Presidency.
In both these scenarios the self -importance of these earthly rulers, kings and presidents alike, is prominently displayed. Earthly kings and nations’ presidents project their temporal power through displays of might, wealth, ostentatious military parades and conquest.
Then, we turn to Jesus, a powerless man, viewed as a criminal, stripped naked, given a crown of thorns, mocked and humiliated, dying on a cross. His title is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
Yet, it is his manner of living and dying that inaugurated the coming of the Kingdom of God among us. His power is shown, not in escaping the cross, but in enduring it out of love and forgiveness for humanity.
His reign is one of humility and service, not one exercised by physical force and might. Jesus’ mission is not about self-preservation; it is one of self-sacrifice for the salvation of all humanity.
His approach to ruling is beautifully summarized in the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer in today’s Mass: As King he claims dominion over all creation, that he may present to you, his almighty Father, an eternal and universal kingdom; a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
We are invited to be part of this Kingdom. We are called to embody in our lives the way Jesus rules and to live our lives aware that the Kingdom of God surrounds us.
It is the “already and the not yet” and we each have a role in bringing about this Kingdom. We can accomplish this by seeing Christ the King in everyone and in everything, by treating all with love, mercy and compassion and all creation with care and respect.
Jesus is a servant king and we are called to render loving service as he did. His reign is one of humility and acts of mercy, not one of force and might. Our celebration today of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe marks the end of the Church Year.
It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on how we can faithfully follow Jesus in his life, death and resurrection to hasten the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Action
Consider reflecting on and journaling about the Gospel reading selected for the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Perhaps reflect on this prayer that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published in 2020 under the title “Christ the King.”
Lord, Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, the beginning and end of all things, you have made your Church to be a people that bears witness to the goodness and beauty of your kingdom. By your Holy Spirit, you have united us as one body, called to live as one family of God. Fill our hearts with your grace, that we would be close to you by being close to the vulnerable and marginalized. Give us the patience to share one another’s burdens, and give us the courage to always be friends of the truth. May we remain with you always. Amen.
Originally from Philadelphia, Linda had a 25-year career as a navy nurse. She then served as a parish adult faith formation coordinator, an on-call hospital chaplain and a hospice bereavement specialist. A Providence Associate since 2007, Linda lives in San Clemente, California with her husband, Randy, and their 2 cats.
“We can accomplish this by seeing Christ the King in everyone and everything…” These are timely words to remember daily in our current circumstances. Thank you, Linda, for this reflection.
Thank you, Linda, for reminding me of “the here and not yet” nature of the kindom Jesus invites us to build and share.
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“We can accomplish this by seeing Christ the King in everyone and everything…” These are timely words to remember daily in our current circumstances. Thank you, Linda, for this reflection.
Thank you, Linda, for reminding me of “the here and not yet” nature of the kindom Jesus invites us to build and share.