A King Unlike Any Other: Reflection on Luke 23:35-43
On this Christ the King Sunday, the Church invites us to contemplate a profound paradox: our King reigns from a cross.
The gospel reading from Luke presents us with Jesus in his final hours, stripped of all earthly dignity, mocked by rulers and soldiers alike. The inscription above his head reads "This is the King of the Jews," but those who witness his suffering see only defeat. They taunt him, saying if he truly is the Christ, he should save himself.
Yet in this darkest moment, we witness the true nature of Christ's kingship. He does not come down from the cross. He does not call upon legions of angels. Instead, he opens his arms wide in an embrace that spans all of humanity.
Between two criminals, Jesus reveals what kind of king he truly is. One thief mocks him, demanding salvation on his own terms. But the other sees something different. Despite his own suffering, despite the seeming defeat before his eyes, this man recognizes innocence and divinity. He asks only to be remembered.
And Jesus, dying on a cross, exercises his royal authority with words of infinite mercy: "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
This is our King. He does not rule by force or intimidation. He does not demand we prove ourselves worthy. From his throne of wood and nails, he extends forgiveness to a criminal, showing us that no one is beyond the reach of his love.
On this feast day, we are called to recognize Christ's sovereignty not just over creation, but over our own hearts. His kingship challenges us to see power differently, to understand that true authority is found in love, sacrifice, and mercy.
The Good Thief reminds us that it is never too late to turn to Christ. In his final moments, he found Paradise. What excuse do we have, with time still before us, not to surrender to this King who desires nothing more than to bring us home?
Christ the King reigns not in spite of the cross, but through it. And he invites each of us, like the Good Thief, to recognize him, to trust him, and to hear those beautiful words spoken over our own lives: "Today you will be with me in Paradise."