Powerful Words - Christ the King
(Readings)
Last weekend, our family celebrated the marriage of Scott and
Jennifer Huey. Jennifer is my youngest daughter.
About six months ago, Scott, was hurt at work. He did not know if he
could continue in his job. He did not know if he’d lose his job because of the injury.
He worried because he knew the character of his supervisor. I know this; he shared
his worries with me.
During marriage preparation Scott shared with Fr. Joe these worries; but,
he also shared my daughter’s words to him. “Don’t worry; put it in God’s hands
- Pray about it.” Those are powerful words.
Scott got well, a new job, and a raise. He no longer works for the
same supervisor. Pray about it.” Those are powerful words.
That brings us to today’s readings.
This week, I asked my bible study group what phrase from the Gospel
spoke to them. Most said “Save Yourself.”
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “”… Save yourself if you are the
chosen one, the Christ of God.”
“Save Yourself.” Those are powerful words and their power is the reason it stood out to
the group.
It is power born in the haplessness of Jesus’ suffering. 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.”
“Save Yourself,” I hope the power of those words stand out to you. How many of us hear
those words for what they are? “Save
yourself” may be something we can do in the natural world; but, true salvation
is not in our power.
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus,
saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save
yourself and us.”
Salvation is from the power of Jesus Christ who chose not to save
himself. By his choice not to save himself, He saved us. We save ourselves by
believing in him. The other, however, rebuking him,
said in reply, “Have you no fear of God… Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when
you come into your kingdom.”
This was an act of faith; this man recognizes that the dying Jesus is
indeed king. Seek salvation, ask Jesus - remember me. “Save yourself,” through baptism, penance, and Our Lord Jesus
Chris. Entrust yourselves to his
infinite love and mercy.
Here are more powerful words: Christ
is King. He is not just king of this world. His kingdom reigns to the other
side of death, in eternity. Jesus’ answer the criminal pleas: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Those words of Jesus show that “in him all
the fullness was pleased to dwell.” That fullness is where we find the kingdom
of God. It is true beauty. It is true wisdom and the endless capacity to
forgive. It is the love that cradles all the world. In Luke 17, Jesus tells us the kingdom of God is within all of you,
powerful words.
These are words of power: Jesus
Christ is our King. Although royalty and kingship is seen by many as a fairy
tale; Jesus Christ is our King. No
matter if kings, presidents, or leaders of this world are a curse or blessing; Jesus Christ is our king.
This is power found in the haplessness of Jesus’ suffering. By his
choice not to save himself, He saved us.
“Save yourself” by turning to King of the Universe, Jesus Christ the source of our
salvation. We do this in prayer. Give Him thanks and praise. Pray, exult him as
King. Pray for his mercy and forgiveness, remember me.
Romans 6:18 says “if we have died with
Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” My brothers and
sisters, we the People of God live in the fullness of Christ Jesus, the kingdom
of God.
Too many people don’t know Jesus Christ, our savior, Lord, and King. For
believers, sharing Christ is our task. We are chosen in Christ to let everyone
else know that they too are chosen.
Jesus Christ is
still our king. Share the
kingdom of God that is within all of you. Share the gospel, the good news,
the powerful word of God. Share the love the cradles all the world. Pray about
it.
Y’all be good y’all be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live
and love. Amen
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