Christ the King

21 November 2010

Today’s Readings : 2 Sm 5:1-3 /Col 1:12-20 /Lk 23:35-43

REFLECTION
Jesus’ ultimate obedience to his Father led him to the cross, the only throne he had chosen to occupy on earth as king. On the cross, Christ the King asked forgiveness for his murderers and torturers. Jesus was the king who slaved himself, serving the poor by healing, feeding and teaching them. Christ invited everyone to his kingdom-public sinners, outcasts, underprivileged, hypocrites and traitors. Jesus remained at the side of the poor by living as a simple man; he died at the side of the poor (thieves), still a destitute.

Christ, the King on the cross, forgives a repentant man, “…you will be with me in paradise.” A writer mentioned that paradise is a Persian word which means walled garden. If a Persian king wants to honor anyone, the monarch shall walk in the garden with the person. The King of kings not only liberated the thief from his sins, he also distinguished him with the honor of dying near him and walking with him in the kingdom of heaven.

Unlike most kings, Jesus was a picture of simplicity and humility, not pompousness and arrogance. In him, there was no sign of violence and dominance but of goodness and compassion. Jesus the King ruled by love, justice and integrity.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus thank you for your great love for us. You have shown us that true greatness lies in humility and meekness and not in power and authority. We ask your forgiveness for all the sins we have committed. Help us to be meek and humble and may we not be dominated by pride and self righteousness. Amen.