A king like no other
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe—the final Sunday of the liturgical year. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, and the One to whom all creation ultimately belongs.
The readings for Year C show us what kind of King Jesus truly is—a King who reigns not from a golden throne, but from the Cross.
1. A King Who Surprises Us
When we hear the word “king,” many people imagine power, crowns, soldiers, armies, and palaces.
But today’s Gospel (Luke 23:35-43) presents a completely different picture:
- A King stripped of glory
- A King nailed to a cross
- A King mocked by soldiers and leaders
- A King crowned with thorns rather than gold
This is not the king the world expects.
This is the King God gives us.
Because Jesus shows us that real kingship is service,
real authority is love,
and real power is sacrifice.
2. The Cross—His Throne
On Calvary, above Jesus’ head, there is a sign:
“This is the King of the Jews.”
It was meant to mock Him.
But God turned it into a coronation.
From the Cross, Jesus rules with:
- forgiveness — “Father, forgive them…”
- mercy — “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
- love — loving even those who crucified Him
- self-giving — giving His life freely for all humanity
His throne is the Cross
because His kingdom is not built with force,
but with love stronger than death.
3. The Two Thieves: Two Responses to the King
Beside Jesus are two criminals.
They represent two ways of responding to Christ the King.
The first thief mocks Him:
“Save yourself and us!”
He wants power, not love.
He wants escape, not salvation.
He sees a cross, but not a king.
The second thief prays:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
That is faith.
That is humility.
That is trust.
He sees not just a crucified man,
but a King entering His glory.
And Jesus responds with one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
This tells us that God’s mercy is always greater than our sins.
Even at the last moment, grace is available.
No one is beyond redemption.
4. What Kind of King Is Jesus for You?
This feast invites each of us to ask:
- Is Christ truly the King of my life?
- Do I allow Him to reign in my decisions?
- Does He rule over my thoughts, words, and actions?
- Or is He just a King in name while I live my own way?
To acknowledge Christ as King means:
a. Letting Him rule our hearts
Putting Him first in our priorities, prayer, and daily choices.
b. Letting Him rule our relationships
Forgiving others, loving sincerely, avoiding hatred and gossip.
c. Letting Him rule our homes
Creating an atmosphere of peace, prayer, honesty, and charity.
d. Letting Him rule our conduct
Rejecting sin and choosing holiness even when it is difficult.
Christ does not force His kingship.
He invites us lovingly:
“Follow Me.”
5. His Kingdom Is Different
Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
His kingdom is:
- a kingdom of truth in a world of lies
- a kingdom of justice in a world of corruption
- a kingdom of peace in a world of violence
- a kingdom of life in a culture of death
- a kingdom of mercy in a world of vengeance
To belong to His kingdom means living those values.
6. A Kingdom That Will Never End
Earthly kingdoms rise and fall—
Egypt, Babylon, Rome, colonial empires…
Even powerful nations today will one day disappear.
But the kingdom of Christ endures forever.
In the first reading (2 Sam 5:1-3), David is anointed king.
In the second reading (Col 1:12-20), Paul tells us:
- Christ is the image of the invisible God
- All things were created through Him
- He is before all things
- In Him all things hold together
- He is the firstborn from the dead
- And His kingdom is eternal
No president, no government, no power can compare.
Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Conclusion
As we end this liturgical year, the Church reminds us:
There is only one true King—Jesus Christ.
But His crown is made of thorns…
His throne is a cross…
His law is love…
His kingdom is mercy…
And His victory is the Resurrection.
Let us ask ourselves:
- Do I live as a citizen of His kingdom?
- Do I allow Jesus to reign in my heart?
- Do I choose the way of the Good Thief—humility, trust, surrender?
May Christ, our King, reign in our hearts,
reign in our families,
reign in our church,
and reign in our world.
“Jesus, remember us in Your Kingdom.”
Amen.