In Sunday’s Gospel for the Solemnity of Christ the King (Luke 23:35-43), Jesus hangs on the cross. In his agony, people mock him. Soldiers jeer at him. Civic and religious authorities sneer at him. No one in the crowd seems able to hide their contempt for the itinerant preacher who had the audacity to preach the Good News of salvation. Even one of the convicted criminals hanging with him mocks and taunts him.

In the midst of this relentless ridicule, a lonely voice speaks the truth. Another criminal who hangs on a cross confesses his own guilt, speaks of the preacher’s innocence, and quietly begs him: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42).” The voice of this good and repentant thief echoes across time. It is a confession of guilt. It is a prayer for mercy. And it is an acclamation that Jesus Christ is King, with absolute authority and dominion over the souls of sinners like you and me.

One might think that Jesus has more important things on his mind than these two condemned criminals bickering back and forth. But despite his unspeakable suffering, Jesus turns to the good thief, consoles him, and makes this promise: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43).” How sweet the sound of the Lord’s voice that saves a wretch condemned to die! A soul lost to depravity is found, forgiven, and promised eternal salvation. It is truly an amazing grace!

About this moment in salvation history, Pope Francis says: “In his kingdom, Jesus speaks only a word of forgiveness, not condemnation. Whenever anyone finds the courage to ask for his forgiveness, the Lord never lets such a prayer go unheard…Jesus’ promise to the good thief gives us great hope. It tells us that God’s grace is always greater than the prayer that seeks it. The Lord always gives more. He is so generous. He always gives more than what he has been asked. You ask him to remember you and he brings you into his kingdom (11-24-13).”

Think about it! The good thief merely asks Jesus not to forget him; and Jesus guarantees him a place in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus promises him the gift of unending joy and eternal life. The Gospel of Luke does not tell us how either thief responds, but when we pray with this passage, we can imagine that Jesus looks upon the repentant thief with eyes that speak of love and mercy; and that the good thief looks back with eyes filled with tears of gratitude. He looks back with eyes that now see clearly through the gift of faith. He looks back with eyes that see a king who suffers with his people, hears their cries for mercy, and responds with love and generosity.

To be sure, Christ the King will come again to judge the living and the dead. But his judgement is tempered by love, understanding, and tender-heartedness. Pope Francis says: “Christ…is really the brother around whom God’s people come together. He cares for his people — for all of us — even at the price of his life. In him, we are all one, one people, united with him and sharing a single journey and single destiny (11-24-13).” That destiny is the paradise promised to the good thief. It is a promise made to each one of us. And so, we look to the Poor Christ and we say: “Jesus, remember me.”

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-20-22)
Bringing Home the Word (11-20-22)
The Kids Bulletin (11-20-22)

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Call to Prayer
A Meditation on Christ the King

By Cliff Garvey