Christ The King
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 23: 35-43 – The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In the Gospel today, there are a handful of questions about the kingship of Jesus from unbelievers who think He is a pathetic fraud. Certainly, He doesn’t look like a king—hanging there, stripped, dying on a cross like a criminal among other criminals. This sorrowful scene is the last description of Jesus we are left with (at least in the Sunday Gospels) here at the end of the Liturgical year. But there is another character in this story who truly is pathetic—a real criminal being punished for a real crime—who, despite the taunting crowds, does believe in Christ. He believes Jesus is the king of the Jews, and far more, that Jesus is the king of everything—even of Paradise.
This is one of the most beautiful stories in the Gospels. If there was ever a man helpless and hopeless, it was this man. His wicked life landed him on a cross. However much he might have wished he could turn his life around, it would now be impossible—because now he is dying. And this is where his sad story would have ended. But Christ is near in this moment. As a criminal, this man doesn’t deserve Christ, and as a dying man there is almost nothing he can offer Christ. But from his poverty he chooses to offer Christ his utter failure…and his humble faith. And that is enough for Jesus to save Him. We need to understand that ultimately our salvation depends not on what we do for God, but on His loving mercy. He can do everything for us if we ask Him for His mercy.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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