XXXIV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Christ the King - Luke 23:35-43
Before Pilate, Jesus was accused of promoting rebellion and was sentenced to be crucified for the crime of treason and lese-majesty by claiming to be king of the Jews. The reason for his death sentence was fixed on the cross, in an inscription reading: "This is the King of the Jews.” The leaders of the people scorned him who claimed to be the Messiah (the Christ) and the soldiers mocked him and laughed about this false king who had for throne a cross. For them, Jesus was no more than a sham or a bad joke that ended in tragedy. However, it is on the cross that Jesus shows his true kingship.
He was falsely accused of rebellion since Jesus never had any kind of pretence to be or to become the king of the Jews. In fact, when people wanted to proclaim him as king, he went into hiding. And he instructed his disciples to avoid imitating the kings of this world, who exploit and oppress the people. However, Jesus is King, but his kingship is of a completely different nature: he frees instead of oppressing, brings peace instead of making war and saves instead of condemning. One of the criminals became aware of the injustice done to Jesus and recognised in him the divine presence, affirming His kingship. Thus he entrusted himself to Jesus, asking: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” That is the same request we must make: Jesus, remember me and welcome me into your kingdom.
Jesus’ kingdom is a kingdom of peace, where love reigns supreme. As King, He is the Lord of life. By his blood shed on the cross, he reconciled all things to himself, establishing peace. In order to take part in this reconciliation, it is only necessary to allow ourselves to be touched by Jesus, welcoming the salvation that he offers us. And “in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17).
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