The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Today we celebrate the final Sunday of the liturgical year with a feast of profound beauty and meaning: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This is not a celebration of earthly power, political strength, or domination. Rather, it is an invitation to contemplate a kingship unlike any other, a kingship revealed in humility, mercy, and sacrificial love.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, we encounter Jesus reigning from the throne of the Cross. It is a striking image: the King of the Universe suspended between heaven and earth, surrounded not by royal courtiers, but by jeering crowds, soldiers, and two criminals. The leaders mock Him, the soldiers taunt Him, even one of the criminals derides Him. And yet, Jesus does not respond with anger or condemnation. His royalty is not shown through force, but through forgiveness.

Amidst all the voices of scorn, one voice breaks through, the voice of the repentant thief, traditionally called the Good Thief or St. Dismas. In a moment of grace, he recognizes what others miss:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This simple plea is an act of profound faith. Dismas sees a king where others see only a condemned man. He sees hope in a place of despair, mercy in the face of suffering, and life in the shadow of death. And Jesus responds with a royal decree that echoes through the ages:

“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Here, at the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to take the Good Thief as our model. Do we recognize Christ’s kingship in our own moments of trial? Can we see His presence not only in glory but also in the crosses we bear? Are we willing to entrust our lives to Him with humility and confidence?

Christ the King reigns not by conquering nations, but by conquering hearts. His kingdom is built not through violence, but through love; not through oppression, but through the freedom that comes from truth; not through fear, but through the mercy that embraces sinners and invites them into the joy of eternal life.

As we prepare to enter a new liturgical year with the season of Advent, let us ask for the grace to place Christ truly at the center of our lives, our thoughts, our decisions, our relationships, and our priorities. Let us, like Dismas, turn to Him with trust and say, “Jesus, remember me,” and allow His kingship to transform us from within.

May Christ our King reign in our hearts, in our homes, and in our parish community, now and forever.