Christ our Lord and king

Gospel

Luke 23:35-43

'Today you will be with me in paradise'

The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’

Short Reflection

In this scene of profound suffering and humiliation, the world sees only failure. The religious leaders, the soldiers, and even one criminal see a man who cannot save himself and therefore must be a fraud. Their vision is limited to the power of this world—the power to escape pain and death.

But the second criminal sees differently. Through the agony of his own cross, he perceives a different kind of kingship. He does not ask to be saved from his suffering, but to be remembered in the midst of it. His faith is a simple, desperate turning toward the one innocent man beside him. In response, Jesus reveals the breathtaking immediacy and intimacy of God's mercy. Paradise is not a distant reward for a life well-lived; it is a gift of grace, offered "today" to a dying sinner who, in his final moments, turns to the King whose throne is a cross.

Question for Reflection

Where in my life, or in the world around me, is Christ's kingdom present not in power and triumph, but in suffering and humility? How can I, like the penitent thief, turn to him and trust in his promise today?

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the King of Paradise, reigning from the cross. In my own moments of trial, doubt, or guilt, help me to turn to you with the simple faith of the penitent thief. Remember me, not for my merits, but by your mercy, and grant me the grace to be with you, today and always. Amen.

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