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King of Kings

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Published by

Today, on this Solemnity of Christ the King, we can be happy because of the closeness of God to us. In the Gospel, we hear the Good Thief’s words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.” This is a wonderful testimony of a sinner—a man who wasted his entire life. The Good Thief was not an educated man. He was not a priest or a doctor. He probably was a poor man, who had nothing. Maybe he had a family. But at the time of his death, no one came to the Good Thief’s defense. No one protected him from being crucified, because everyone knew that he was a sinner. And, even the Good Thief knew that he himself was only a sinner.

This sinner, because of his sin, lost his human life. Human kings had condemned him to death. But, because of this man’s faith in Jesus, he was invited by Jesus Himself to eternal life. As the Good Thief hung on the cross next to Jesus, He saw in Jesus not only the King of the earth, but also the King of Heaven, and this is why he spoke about Jesus’ Kingdom. Is it not wonderful that when the Good Thief found himself in a difficult situation, when he was dying on the cross, when all other people had abandoned him, and when he discovered and experienced the real truth about Himself, he discovered something wonderful. He discovered that Jesus Christ is his King. He discovered eternal life when Jesus Christ said: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

In our lives we often find ourselves in difficult situations. We experience suffering. We see our loved ones suffer. During these times it is so important for us to remember Jesus on the Cross. It is important for us to look to Jesus on the Cross and to see in Him Our King, who gathers all of us to Himself. And before all others, Jesus gathers sinners to Himself. He offers to us His Love and Salvation.

Please take time on this weekend to think about these words: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” The Kingdom is Jesus. The Kingdom is His Loving embrace. The Kingdom is His arms outstretched on the Cross calling all sinners to Him, to His Love. Let us thank Jesus, saying “Thank you Jesus for your patience toward me. Thank You Jesus for Your open arms as You hang on the Cross. Thank You, Jesus, for the invitation to Your kingdom.”

Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur

Readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: Lectionary 162

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