SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING C
A MELLOW HEART FOR THE GENTLE KING
LK. 22: 35-43
MESSAGE
What do we know of the Lord Jesus’ last moments on earth? It was far from peaceful; it was violent. It was not a time of repose but a time of intense physical and emotional pain. It was not a consoling experience but an encounter with calumny and vilification from religious leaders, from soldiers, and from a condemned criminal.
About to die, the farewell words the Lord Jesus heard were that of bashers, detractors, and persecutors. Where were his admirers, supporters, and followers? His enemies unleashed the last most effective and deadly weapon of all, the one that pierces the heart – harsh, thoughtless words. The soldiers killed the Lord with nails. His bitter critics executed him with their violent tongues. Unthinkable ordeal! Even today, people die everyday because of malicious and vicious words hurled all over social media.
Then a ray of light! A different tone emerged, a humble one. “I deserve to die, but this one has done nothing wrong.” After this realization, the tone became a trusting one: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Amidst all the loud voices of violence, the Lord certainly remembered only this one as he said: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Whose voice was this that sent Jesus comforted and consoled to his death? It was a criminal’s voice, one who knew violence and cruelty all his life. But crucified alongside the Lord, his heart was mellowed by a suffering God, a loving God, a forgiving and faithful God. He has found his King! The criminal gave Jesus inspiration on the cross. Jesus gave the criminal what his heart has long desired: pardon, freedom, and new and eternal life. A mellowed heart met the gaze of the King of Hearts, the Sacred Heart of our Gentle God!
REFLECT
On this Feast of Christ the King, stop joining in the violence of words. Let us admit our own share in the pain others feel because of what we have uttered. Then let our hearts be mellowed by the heart of Jesus who loved us unto death on the Cross. From now on, may our words bring others to Paradise.
