Thursday, November 21, 2019

Sunday Gospel Reflection, November 24, 2019: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom...


Do we recognize and accept Jesus Christ as our King?

   To call Christ our King is to recognize in him a myriad of attributes, some of which may seem odd when juxtaposed.  In the Second Book of Samuel, David’s role both as commander and shepherd of the Lord’s people make him a logical choice to be anointed king of Israel.  Not only was David a good leader of Saul’s army, he also brought the Israelites back safely.  As shepherd, the king must lavish care on Israel, protecting the people; they in turn will recognize and follow him because there is intimacy and trust between them.  David will be a strong and dedicated leader, uniting the tribes with power and authority.  Psalm 122 adds to this portrait of David as king with its reference to the judgment seats set up for the house of David:  David, Jesus’ forbearer, is also a just king, basing his judgments on wisdom from God, and acknowledging his responsibility to serve the people with justice.

  All of the attributes given to King David will be Jesus’ attributes as well, but in their most perfect form, because, as Luke’s Gospel reminds us, Jesus, King of the Jews, is crucified, suffering humiliation and death for the sake of his sheep, conquering death by dying out of love.  The cross is God’s love made visible, making entrance for all possible with Jesus’ death.  As he embraces the criminal crucified next to him – today, you will be with me in Paradise, he tells him – Jesus embraces all of creation, forgiving all and opening access for all to that Paradise, to his beloved kingdom with God the Father.  Paul adds to this portrait of the king of forgiveness by reminding the Colossians that Jesus is the image of the invisible God who rules over all creation; Jesus is the origin and keeper of creation, head of the mystical body, yet for all that, remaining in intimate relationship with all those joined to him in faith and baptism, that we too might share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.  Jesus’ words to the good thief are the last words of our liturgical year and should resonate for us as well:  today you will be with me in Paradise.  May we hold to that truth as we celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe!

Image source:  www.wordclouds.com

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