Our King reigns over the universe and the cross
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
When thinking of Christ the King, most of us probably do not think of Jesus hanging on the cross. We might picture him seated in Heaven wearing a crown. St Luke shows us a King faithful to his calling to save others.
There are two thieves in our Gospel for the Feast of Christ the King. One tells Jesus to “save yourself and us” if he is the Messiah. The other thief (the “good thief”) recognizes that Jesus is innocent and requests, in faith, a place in Paradise. Jesus brings about the kingdom for this man. Even in his last moments of life Jesus offers God’s mercy to one who has gone astray. Jesus shows that God offers mercy and compassion to all people. We end this Church year with a promise given to the "good thief" -- "... you will be with me in Paradise."
- If you could speak to the thief in this Gospel passage, what would you say to him? What would you ask him?
- Speak to Jesus -- what do you want to ask from him? What is your greatest need at this time in your life?
I think this story's 'common' name needs to be "The REPENTANT Thief," instead of "The Good Thief." The word "REPENTANT" much better conveys what must happen within our hearts-minds-spirits in order to "enter the kin-dom of heaven" with JESUS.