So now we have come to the end of our journey through this Liturgical Year. St. Luke and his gospel-telling has been our guide. The path ends at the Cross of Jesus where we are presented with a decision to make. On which side of the "Big Question" have I chosen to take my stand, which path do I choose to follow? Is Jesus truly who he claims to be - Son of God, the Way, the Truth, the Life, sent to lead me into eternal life - Or is he not?
The gospel passage for this feast of Christ the King takes us to the scene of the Crucifixion. Two crosses with two men on either side of the Cross of Jesus characterize the question we all face today. One of them sees no satisfying evidence that any of the claims about Jesus are true. Where is the proof? How accurately does he represent so many voices heard today; [the ever-present question of the problem of evil in the world.]
“Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
The other one sees truth in Jesus' innocence and is willing to take the step of faith.
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me
in paradise.” Lk 23:42
On this feast of Christ the King, the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy comes to an end with the closing of the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Peter's in Rome and in the cathedrals around the world. During this final week of the liturgical year, let us take time to review our own personal experience - our own encounters with God's Mercy. How has God's Mercy freed us from that which once held us bound; frail and weak, unable to serve God as his faithful Servant?
A new year of grace is about to begin. What awaits us? To what is God calling us? How shall we engage in the service of Jesus Christ the King?
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