The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

2 Samuel 5: 1-3, Colossians 1: 12-20, Luke 23: 35-41

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Only Luke gives us the story of the “good thief” at Calvary, emphasizing that, up to the very end, Jesus remained the “Son of man who came to seek and save what was lost.” (Lk 19: 10).  In Jesus we see the compassion of God at work in his final moments and in the most extreme agony.

When we think of Christ the King, we usually do not think of Jesus hanging on the cross, but rather the risen Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father, wearing the crown bestowed upon him by the Father. But Luke presents us with an image of Christ whose reign begins on the cross with his promise of Paradise to a thief hanging at his side.

Jesus brings about the kingdom even in the last moment of his life, extending the mercy of God to yet another nameless outsider, a thief “condemned justly” to death (Lk 23: 41). This man recognizes  Jesus both as a man who “has done nothing criminal.” But also, one who is about to “come into his kingdom” (23: 41, 42).

The kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed as being “already in your midst” is present in Jesus on the cross, extending mercy by asking God to forgive those who have crucified him, for “they know not what they do” (23: 34). To the thief who asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom, Jesus promises, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (29: 43). What wonderful words to bring the church year to a close.

We might think of this dying thief as one who stole heaven at the last moment, but perhaps that is inaccurate. How could it be a theft when Paradise was there for the taking?  The crucified One himself, being the king of hearts, the shepherd king lifted up one last time a beloved sheep who had wandered far stray but unexpectedly found himself at heaven’s door. If we call him king, it is because he was faithful to his calling. Not to save himself but to save us.

Does this story address anything in your life or is it simply just another ‘heartwarming story” about compassion of Jesus to outcasts and those most abandoned?

Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, and we begin again a new Church year, preparing ourselves to celebrate Christ’s birth. Before we know it, we are into Ash Wednesday, and it is especially early this year. The last time Lent came so early in the spring (and that’s because Easter is early) was 89 years ago. Starting next Sunday, then, we begin to recall the major events of Jesus life: his birth, his death, resurrection, ascension and his sending of the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, as usual, we hear about his miracles and his teachings as presented to us by St. Matthew’s gospel. And as usual, at the end of the liturgical year, we will again celebrate the feast of Christ the King.

The feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. You might wonder, didn’t Pius XI know kings are not popular anymore? But what else could call Christ? Should we call him instead a president, a prime minister, the Chairman of the board, a dictator, president of life? The title “King” is most fitting for Christ. But he is not the same as any other king. His power is absolute and eternal. He has received his authority and power from God the Father and that will never change.

All we can do is repeat what St. Paul said: Thanks be to God, who has taken us out of the power of darkness, and transformed us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we gain freedom, and the forgiveness of our sins.’

Peace and all good!

Fr. Valery Burusu

Parochial Administrator