The king that gives! - Luke 23:35-43

The end of the liturgical year is upon us, and how fast did that arrive.

It's the Feast of Christ the King, a great feast with some incredible depth for us everyday, run of the mill people, In fact, this feast is truly transformative if we look at it right!

So this Sunday, reflecting on the Gospel reading, let's talk about Christ the King.

For most of us, this solemnity is just the last big Sunday before we start prepping for Advent. You hear "King," and you probably think of robes, gold, and maybe a stern guy on a huge throne.

But if you actually look at the Gospel we read (Luke 23:35-43), our King is on a cross, stripped, mocked, and dying next to two criminals. Honestly, it looks less like a coronation and more like a total disaster.

The worst King!

Like many of us in our day to day, he must think that in his job, he failed!

But that, my friends, is exactly why this feast is the most important one for parents, partners, and workers - THE EVERYMAN!

Stop Saving Yourself: The World's Biggest Lie

Just look at what everyone is shouting at Jesus:

"He saved others; let him save himself!"

"If you are the King... save yourself!"

Think about that. This is the background noise of your entire life: Save yourself.

• At Work: "Save yourself the trouble. Don't help that new hire. Just look out for your promotion."

• With Your Partner: "Save yourself the energy. Why should I apologize first? Why should I always be the one to back down?"

• As a Parent: "Save yourself the headache. Just hand them the screen so you can have five minutes of peace."

  
  

The world says the true King uses power to secure his own comfort.

But Jesus doesn't save himself. He hangs there to save us. His kingship is the radical choice to take the hardest hit for someone else.

• The Big Ask: This week, where is that urge to "save yourself" popping up? That's the spot where Christ wants to reign. Choose the harder, more loving path. That moment of self-giving—that's your act of allegiance to the Servant King.

The Good Thief: Our Patron Saint of Last-Minute Conversion

Now, let's look at

1. Own Your Mistakes

The Good Thief's first line isn't a plea; it's an honest admission:

"And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds."

He doesn't blame the economy, his childhood, or the lousy broken government systems. He looks at his life and says, "My fault."

We can't reign alongside Christ if we're too busy being the ruler of our own little, blame-free kingdom. Be the first to say "I was wrong" or "I was impatient" in your house today. That honesty is the first step out of darkness.

2. See Past the Mess

The thief sees a bloody, dying man and says:

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He saw the King through the agony.

 When your someone in your life is being irritating, or throwing a tantrum that could win an Oscar, it's hard to see the dignity—the Kingdom worth—in them. But this is the test! Can you see Christ in the person making your life difficult right now?

Can you speak to them like they matter to the King?

3. Trust the "Right Now" Mercy

The thief asked to be remembered later. Jesus said:

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Its easy to look at Salvation as a future reward you earn after twenty years of perfect Catholic living. Somethign to only think about in older age, or ill heath. We need to reset the lens we are looking thourgh. Friends,

Salvation is a gift given today.

So... Stop delaying your inner peace.

• If you need to apologize, apologize today.

• If you know you need to go to Confession, go today.

• f you're carrying a heavy burden, drop it at the foot of the Cross today.

Our King doesn't keep us waiting; He offers immediate relief and acceptance the second we turn to Him.

The kingship of Christ that we celebrate today isn't about him taking over the planet; it's about you giving up the exhausting, tiny throne you sit on in your own life. 

It's about letting the King who reigns through love, humility, and forgiveness rule in your heart, your house, and your office.

So then, what's one thing you're willing to surrender to the King this week?

Let me know!