The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - Fr. Leo

As Jesus spent his last painful moments on the cross in today’s gospel, we are given a summary of his mission.  On one side of him an unrepentant convict, taunts Jesus.  Out of desperation he challenges Jesus in an insulting way to goad him in to saving himself and them.  Saving himself from death for truth out of love was not Jesus’ mission.  On the other hand, the second criminal is humble and defends Jesus as innocent, knowing that his sentence was justified.  He humbly  asks Jesus to be remembered when he comes into his kingdom.  A great statement of faith.  Jesus answers, “This day you will be with me in paradise.”

Humility is again shown to be what is necessary in standing before the Lord of mercy.  Like the tax collector in the temple who humbled himself, we are reminded that humbleness is a good thing.  It frees us from living lies and brings us to live in God’s love.  All that is needed is a sincere heart.

We have no need to fear God if we are open to his love.  The gift of humility is His, so that we might live in his loving embrace now and forever.  This week, let us pray with confident and sincere hearts as did the repentant man next to Jesus on the cross, “remember us Lord, and bring us home to live in you now and forever. Amen.