Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
The people stood by, watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, “Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!”
The soldiers also mocked him and, when they drew near to offer him bitter wine, they said, “So you are the King of the Jews? Save yourself!” Above Jesus there was an inscription in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, “So you are the Messiah? Save yourself, and us as well!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “In truth I tell you, today, you will be with me today in paradise.”

Lectio Divina
READ: The first reading recalls David’s anointing as king. In the gospel, Jesus promises paradise, his kingdom, to one of the criminals. St. Paul exhorts us to thank the Father for his son who rescued, redeemed, and forgiven us and who brought us to his kingdom.
REFLECT: Despite the mockery Jesus in reality is king. But his kingship is not like the system that we know which lords over its subjects. He is a servant whose life is dedicated to the welfare of his people. Through his sufferings on the cross he rescued us from evil, he redeemed us from our wickedness, he freed us from our sins, and he gave us life ever- lasting. Those who claim to be kings in this world give us benefits that last only for a while. What Jesus gives, no one matches. His are blessings that bring us to eternity.
PRAY: Lord, I surrender my all to you.
ACT: Join the Christ the King procession in the parish today to show your allegiance to Christ the King.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019