Luke 23, 35-43:
Sunday, 20 November 2022 | CHRIST THE KING
We come to the end of the liturgical year with the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. This day’s Gospel places us at the foot of the cross, and the Jewish authorities mocking the crucified one: “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself”. But it also reminds us of Jesus’ dialogue with the “good thief” crucified beside him.
In the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, he announced to her that her Son “will be great; the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; he will reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”. Years later, when after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes the crowds wanted to proclaim him king, he removed himself from their midst. On entering Jerusalem some shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David” and shortly afterwards “crucify him”. The crowds acclaim him, and the rulers of the people want to do away with him. On the cross, one of the thieves insults him, and the other proclaims him as king. “He saved many and cannot save himself”. From the beginning to the end of his life he will be the disputed standard foretold by the old man Simeon.
But before Pilate Jesus affirmed: “My kingdom is not of this world”. Those who accept his life and his person, like the so-called good thief, find salvation. “When you are in your kingdom, remember me”. “Today you will be with me in paradise”.
In Jesus’ kingdom the criteria of power, having, enjoying, being first, are to be exchanged for those of serving, loving, forgiving, saving, seeking peace. Only in this way will his kingdom come to us.
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
What criteria do you use?
