Today’s Scripture Readings

And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

I once heard someone say that today’s solemnity of Christ the King has lost its impact, and to be more relevant we should call it Christ the President or Christ the Prime Minister. I’m here to tell you that they’re wrong. Today’s solemnity is far more powerful and meaningful than any earthly ruler. Unlike presidents or prime ministers, who can be removed or whose terms end, Christ reigns supreme forever. He is the one through whom all life must be ordered.

Today, we see the true nature of Jesus’ kingship revealed. Even as he hangs on the cross, mocked by rulers and soldiers, his kingdom is shown in stark contrast to worldly power. The leaders and the crowds belittle him. They expect a king like themselves, ruthless, dominant, self-serving. But Jesus’ reply is clear: ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’ (John 18:36) His reign is not built on fear, violence, or domination but on mercy, forgiveness, and love.

Even the criminal hanging beside him recognizes this truth and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus promises, ‘Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ Here, the King’s throne is the cross, his crown is thorns, and his Royal garments are wounds. This is the ultimate display of power through humility, love, and sacrifice.

On this solemnity, we are called to recommit ourselves to Christ the King, to order our lives by the rules of His kingdom, and to proclaim His reign over every person and every power in the world. Christ is Lord—now and forever.