This weekend, we celebrate the final Sunday of the liturgical year—the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It is a feast that stands as both a conclusion and a beginning. It closes one Church year and prepares our hearts for Advent, when we once again await the coming of our Savior. But the Gospel chosen for this feast may surprise us. Instead of seeing Jesus enthroned in glory or surrounded by angels, we see Him crucified-- nailed to a cross between two criminals.
At first, that doesn’t look like a king. There is no crown of gold, no throne, no royal robes --only suffering, mockery, and pain. Yet this is the very image the Church gives us to proclaim Christ as King. Why? Because this is the moment when the true nature of His kingship is revealed. Jesus reigns not by domination, but by love. He conquers not by force, but by mercy. He does not save Himself, but gives Himself completely for us.
In this Gospel, one of the criminals turns to Him and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And with words of unimaginable grace, Jesus replies, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” This is the heart of our faith: that Jesus is a King of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. Even in His final moments, Jesus reaches out to the lost, the broken, the forgotten—and welcomes them home.
That’s why this passage is so important. It reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is not built on power or privilege, but on love that never ends. On the cross, Jesus shows us what true authority looks like: service, sacrifice, and forgive. The world often measures greatness by success or control; Jesus measures it by compassion and self-giving. His throne is the cross, His crown is made of thorns, and His victory is love stronger than death.
As we end this Church year and look toward Advent, we are invited to ask ourselves: Is Christ truly the King of my life? Do I allow His mercy to reign in my heart, His peace to shape my words, His compassion to guide my actions?
When we live with Jesus as our King, we begin to see the world differently. We forgive where others hold grudges. We serve rather than seek to be served. We reach out in love, even when it’s not easy. In doing so, we help build His kingdom—right here in our homes, our community, and our parish.
Christ is our King—of mercy, of peace, and of love.