Christ the King was crowned not with gold, but thorns.
His throne was not of comfort, but a cross of torture.
His kingship was not of greed and political power, but it was and remains one of compassion, humility, mercy, and redemption.
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe.
Two amazing men, probably the least likely to come to mind, truly emphasize Jesus Christ is without a doubt the One True King. Both men were present at the crucifixion – one on a cross beside him – St. Dismas; and the other thrusted his sword into his side – the Roman centurion – St. Longinus. Their stories invite us to open our eyes and hearts, acknowledging not only the kingship of Christ, but His presence and miracles that happen in our daily lives while others overlook and deny Him.
In today’s Gospel, Luke tells us, Jesus was crucified with two thieves (Luke 23:35-43). As they hung on the cross, “One of the criminals who were hanged taunted him with the crowd, saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying (in reply), ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Christ replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’.”
Christ’s power is mercy even in the final hours of our suffering.
Beyond today’s Gospel reading, Luke goes on to describe the death of Jesus:
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’ And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. (Luke 23:44-49).
The centurion is mentioned in three of the gospels. He was the first to admit out loud that a terrible mistake had been made saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39) and “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:47). John describes what early Christian tradition believes to be the same Roman solider, the one who pierced the side of Christ with a spear from which blood and water flowed, and then the earth quaked, and according to legend the soldier was miraculously cured from an eye affliction when drops of the blood of Christ showered upon him.
Pope Francis said, “The kingdoms of this world at times are sustained by arrogance, rivalries, and oppression; the reign of Christ is a ‘kingdom of justice, love, and peace,’” Pope Francis.
May the Solemnity of Christ the King draw us closer to our Savior – Jesus Christ the King of Kings!
Saint Longinus, open our eyes to see miracles around us and fix our eyes on the love of Christ has for us all, conversion is a symbol of hope for all mankind.
Saint Dismas, help us to never give up on our conversion or the conversion of our loved ones because your life proves it is never too late.
