Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save
himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered
at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King
of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read,
“This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you
not the Christ? Save yourself and us.”The other, however, rebuking him, said in
reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same
condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received
corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he
said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to
him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
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Reflection:
The story is told about a man who ambitioned to be the king of his
nation. When asked why he is ambitioning to be a king. He answered: “I want to
enjoy the privileges, power and wealth of a king.” Once told that he would not
enjoy any of those that he envisioned but instead become the servant of all. He
said: “I don’t want to be a king anymore.
This Sunday we are at the end of the church’s calendar and we are
celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Gospel depicts the kingship
of Jesus that is at odds with our own idea of worldly kingship. Jesus’ kingship
is a kingship of Obedience, of Humility, of Servanthood and of Suffering and
Sacrifice. Jesus did not mind the anguish and humiliation for as long as he can
fulfill His mission.
On the latter part of the Gospel are the two thieves hanging on the cross
beside the Lord. One is unrepentant and the other one is full of remorse and
humility. The remorseful asked Jesus to remember him when He comes to his
kingdom. And Jesus did not fail him; He brought along the repentant thief to
paradise with Him.
It’s not easy to follow the kingship of Jesus because it’s accompanied by
sacrifices and trials. But where would we go or who would we follow? We follow
this world and the teachings of this world? It’s better to follow the Kingship of Jesus
notwithstanding the sacrifices and trials.
Why? Because at the end of our temporary journey paradise in heaven
awaits us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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