The Good Word

Hello and welcome to the Word, bringing you the Good News of Jesus Christ every day from the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. I am Fr. Karl Esker from the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY. Today is Sunday, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.Our reading is taken from the holy gospel according to Luke: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."The gospel of the Lord.Homily“Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe” is such an imposing title that it creates a terrible contrast with the scene in today’s gospel. Here Jesus is presented on his cross, between two criminals and surrounded by a crowd screaming insults and mockery at him. The only thing regal is the inscription over his head: "This is the King of the Jews."Historians tell us that crucifixion led to a slow and agonizing death, and that those condemned to this death frequently responded to the mockery of the crowd by shouting back insults of their own. But Jesus is different. Luke tells us that as he was being crucified, Jesus cried out: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”Jesus’ cry only drew mockery from the leaders of the crowd, from the soldiers, and even from one of the criminals crucified with Jesus; but it touched the other criminal, who rebuked his companion: “Have you no fear of God?” and said to Jesus: “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He saw through the terrible humiliation to the royal heart of Jesus.Even on the cross, Jesus continues his mission as the good shepherd, seeking out and saving those who were lost. He replies to the condemned man: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Through his resurrection and ascension into heaven Jesus now sits enthroned at the right hand of God, but his throne upon earth is the cross. Lifted up on the cross, he draws all humanity to himself. From the cross he stretches out his arms to embrace, not just the good thief, but all who accept the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. He has experienced all the terrible limitations of human life, even condemnation and death, although he never sinned. And having given his life for us, only Jesus can lead us safely into God’s kingdom.In dealing with others, especially the marginalized, Jesus was different. The good thief recognized this in Jesus and believed he was the Christ. He also recognized his own errors and the justice of his condemnation, so he turned to Jesus: remember me. Even in his own agony, Jesus heard and attended him.No one is so far gone that the person cannot be redeemed by Jesus. We have only to turn to him in faith, recognize our own sins and failings, and ask for his mercy. We are also reminded of the importance of being a presence for Jesus to the dying.Paul assures us that in Jesus all the fullness of God’s love and mercy was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for God, making peace by the blood of his cross. We, who accept Jesus and live according to his word are those who have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. So, let us give thanks to the Father, who has made us fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.May God bless you.

The French playwright, Jean Anouilh, wrote a play in which a group of people were gathered just outside the gates of heaven. They were impatient, knowing that they had reserved places inside. Suddenly, a rumor began to spread that God was going to forgive those other people, too. They were stunned and started grumbling, “After all the work it took to get here.” Then, they grew angry and began to curse God. And, in that instant, they were damned. That was the last judgment. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Early in my priesthood, an older confrere told me that the best way to respond to compliments was to simply say, “Thank you.” If you are curious, he said, you could perhaps ask, “Was it something specific that moved you?” Anything else would be taking the compliment as if it were ours alone, and not from the abundance of God’s grace. We are servants, or, we are supposed to be. That is why St. John’s gospel has Jesus holding a basin and towel at the Last Supper instead of a chalice and paten. If we are to follow Jesus, then servanthood must be our way, too. I think we will be surprised at who we will meet in heaven. Why? Because most of heaven’s population will be made up of people who did not garner headlines in life. They were quietly working behind the scenes making life better for the rest of us. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. Are there reserved places awaiting us in heaven? Perhaps, but then why did St. Paul say that he still had to run the race, that he had not reached the finish line? We hope that God is preparing an everlasting home for us and for those we love, but we know that there is more for us to do. Prayers need to be said, sacrifices made, lessons still need to be taught - and learned. It is not our gifts and talents that pave our way to gates of heaven. It is God’s love and mercy that opens all doors. Blessings,Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.