Luke 23:35-43

2 Samuel 5:1-3

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,

“He saved others, let him save himself

if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”

Even the soldiers jeered at him.

As they approached to offer him wine they called out,

“If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

Above him there was an inscription that read,

“This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,

“Are you not the Christ?

Save yourself and us.”

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,

“Have you no fear of God,

for you are subject to the same condemnation?

And indeed, we have been condemned justly,

for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,

but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Then he said,

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

He replied to him,

‘Amen, I say to you,

today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thy Kingdom come! Thy will be done! Give me the Bread of the Kingdom to sustain me as I journey to you. Pour out your mercy upon me and forgive my many sins. Bring me safely through the battle of life into your eternal dwelling.

Encountering the Word of God

1. One Kingdom: The Church founded by Jesus is the beginning and seed of the Kingdom of God. The four marks of the Church – one, holy, catholic, and apostolic – are also the marks of God’s Kingdom. We have one king and Lord and, therefore, one Kingdom. Part of the mystery of the unity of God’s Kingdom is how it is plagued throughout the centuries by division. The Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church. It is governed by the Successor of Peter and the bishops in communion with him. Many elements of truth and sanctification can be found in the churches and ecclesial communities separated from full communion with the Catholic Church. But all of these elements and blessings come from Christ and point to the fullness of truth and sanctification in the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus. We all need to pray and work toward the restoration of unity among Christians. We are called by the Spirit to desire this. It is a goal pursued by conversion of heart, prayer, and fraternal knowledge of each other and theological dialogue (see Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nn. 161-164).

2. A Holy and Universal Kingdom: The mystery of the unity of God’s Kingdom and its present earthly divisions points us toward another mystery: the Kingdom of God is holy, and yet there are both sinners and saints within it. The Church, as the beginning of the Kingdom, is the Bride of Christ and has been sanctified by him. Christ, the Bridegroom, has made the Church a source and instrument of sanctification. In the Kingdom of God, we do not find earthly wealth and power, but the fullness of the means of sanctification and salvation. Holiness is the vocation of each member of the Kingdom and the purpose of the Kingdom’s activities. The Kingdom of God is also catholic, that is “universal.” The Kingdom is called to spread to the ends of the earth and is sent on a mission to the whole human race. All are to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God.

3. An Apostolic Kingdom: The Kingdom of God has its origin in Christ the King, who has built the seed of his Kingdom, the Church, on the “foundation of the Apostles” (Ephesians 2:20). Thus, the Kingdom has an apostolic dimension and origin. The Kingdom is apostolic in its teaching, since what the Kingdom teaches is the same as that of the Apostles. The Kingdom is apostolic by reason of its structure insofar as its members are taught, sanctified, and guided pastorally until Christ returns by the Apostles through their successors who are the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter (see Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 174). “The Word ‘Apostle’ means ‘one who is sent.’ Jesus, the One sent by the Father, called to himself twelve of his disciples and appointed them as his Apostles, making them the chosen witnesses of his Resurrection and the foundation of his Church. He gave them the command to continue his own mission saying, ‘As the Father has sent me, so I also send you’ (John 20:21); and he promised to remain with them until the end of the world” (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 175).

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are my king! Teach me your ways so that I may serve you faithfully. I am your soldier and will work to extend your reign in this world. Arm me with the sword of the Spirit for battle. Protect me with the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the breastplate of righteousness from all evil.

Living the Word of God: How am I living as a prophet? How am I evangelizing and giving witness to Christ in this world? How am I living as a priest? How am I offering all my undertakings as spiritual sacrifices? How am I living my royal calling? How am I overcoming the reign of sin in myself and in the world around me?