Christ the King Year C: 2010
The liturgy today
focuses on our King Jesus Christ. So the three
readings give us true identities of our King and his kingdom. Firstly,
in the second book of Samuel, through King David, we can see that the
King is anointed to be a good shepherd and commander of his people;
“You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of
Israel.” As Jesus defined: A good shepherd knows his sheep and his
sheep listen to his voice. Jesus is a good shepherd who laid down his
life for his sheep. He is a good shepherd who gives his flock the food
of everlasting life.
Secondly, St. Paul professed our King as God. He is divine.
Through
him all thing were created, visible and invisible. However, for our
sake, he became man to live among his people and finally to use his
own blood to reconcile the world to his Father. Jesus is the King who
conquered death for us. He will gather all people and all things to
himself at the end of the world. The King promised that anyone who
believes in him will be never lost. His kingdom does not have any
boundary, and his kingdom will reign when he comes again in glory.
Thirdly, we can understand more clearly about Jesus’ kingdom through
St. Luke gospel. He brought us to the most striking scenario that
opens the eyes of many people in which the good thief was the first
one. Imaging we are standing at the foot of the cross, and what will
you see and say? The rulers, the soldiers and even the bad criminal
could not see Jesus’ authority over sins and death because of their
pride and stubborn heart. The inscription above the cross said: “this
is the king of the Jews.” Yes, he is the king of humble and gentle
hearts.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not easy to stand under the
cross and to experience his power if we don’t open our heart and our
life to him as the good thief did on his cross. The good thief is a
good example for us nowadays. He exposed himself before the king of
heaven and earth. Here I am Lord, I am sinful, I am awful, and I am
the one who messed up your plan for me. So, Lord have mercy. “King
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This is an
ultimate humility before our King. The good thief believed that Jesus’
death is the key to open his kingdom of heaven to those who believe
and follow him. He believed that God’s kingdom is not only for
righteousness but also for repentant sinners.
Brothers and sisters, at Mass, we stand at the foot of the cross again
and again. Do we learn the humility of our king? Do we learn to lay
down our life before him and ask for his forgiveness? Do we learn that
his kingdom welcome everyone who stand for justice, love and mercy?
The point is: His kingdom is not built on human forces or authorities,
but it is built on love and forgiveness. If we practice his love
commandments we surely belong to his kingdom.
Amen.
