The man who hung on the cross next to Jesus asks him to “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Of all the people who took part in the crucifixion of Jesus, only this man sincerely acknowledges Jesus as King. Only he receives the promise of joining Jesus in paradise that very day. I wonder if he knew what Jesus’ kingdom meant.
The second reading gives us a better idea of the extent of that kingdom. Paul uses images of things visible and invisible, of dominions, principalities, and powers. Notice one short phrase that appears six times in that reading: “all things.” If Christ is King of all things, that includes our possessions. We might keep that in mind, not only when deciding how much we give to the poor or to the Church, but also how we use the things we own. The things we watch on TV, the foods we eat, the books we read—all are under Jesus’ kingship. I might even drive more carefully if I remember that my car belongs to the Lord.
Even our life is under his reign. That can remind us to trust Jesus more, as well as to ask for the guidance of his Spirit in our decisions. If we let the Lord guide our lives, we know that anything that happens to us is either God’s will or something that Jesus can lead us through, on our way to paradise.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | USCCB