The Unusual King

Crucifix in the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

He is an unusual king.

Unlike any other king.

The warrior whose weapons are love and compassion.

The ruler who offers himself as servant and victim.

The one who has no fault or sin.

The humble Son of God, fully divine and fully human.

The most unusual king.

The King of Kings.

We close out this final Sunday of the Liturgical Year by celebrating Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, in an unusual way — by recalling one of His final moments as He hung dying on the Cross. He was being mocked and insulted, but He didn't respond in anger, correction, or self-defense — like we would. Instead, He forgave, prayed for them, reminded us to love one another, and submitted to death. In his final breaths, his movements were of love and compassion. So unusual.

To the criminal hanging next to Him who asked for mercy, Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Fresco of "Crucifixion with mourners and Saints Dominic and Thomas Aquinas" by Fra Angelico. Painted on the wall of his cell at the San Marco Convent, now the San Marco Museum, in Florence, Tuscany, Italy.

What an unusual king.

I want to be in Heaven with Him. Don't you?

In a death that looked like weakness, He displayed ultimate strength. How can we make sense of this? Only by faith.

He is our King.

Look at His Passion and Cross and see His Resurrection.

Look at His broken Body and pouring Blood and see His gift of Eternal Life.

Look at your life and see His guiding hand.

When we think we are in control of our circumstances, we are at our weakest.

When we rely on Him for strength, we are strongest.

When we seek His wisdom, we are wisest.

When we receive His love, we are most loving.

When we listen to Him, we are better listeners.

When we turn to Him in suffering, we are offered redemption.

When we ask and accept His mercy, we are more compassionate.

When we breathe in His Peace, we bring peace to others.

When we are grateful for His blessings, we carry Him with us.

When we proclaim Jesus Christ as our only King, we are in His Kingdom.

What else is vying for kingship in our lives?

Career? Wealth? Desires? Selfishness? Fear? Distractions? Hobbies? Worry?

Claim Christ as King over every aspect of your life today, tomorrow, forever and ever.

Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

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