Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year C - 20th November 2022
Gospel Luke 23: 35–43
The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer him vinegar, they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said, ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ Jesus replied, ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’
I take time to come to stillness in the way that is best for me, conscious of moving into this holy space before the Lord. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me respond today with openness and generosity.
I read these words from St Luke slowly, taking time to savour them, to notice the words or phrases that draw my attention.
Maybe it helps my prayer to place myself close to Jesus, watching as the scene unfolds. Perhaps I hear him talking to me, too. I sit quietly and listen.
I may like to stay with the differing reactions of the people before the cross of Jesus; the hostility, mockery, anger, rebuke or humble request.
I notice how these words touch me. I ponder; how do they relate to my life today? What does humility mean for me?
I share my deepest thoughts and feelings with the Lord as I would with a trusted friend, asking for whatever help or grace I need.
I spend a little time in silence before the mystery of the love of Christ crucified.
In time, I slowly end my prayer, perhaps with the words ‘Glory be to the Father ...’, as I ask the Lord to deepen his life within me.
Click here to read or listen to a One-Minute Homily on today's Gospel from the Jesuit Post.
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