34th Week in Ordinary Time, Christ the King :Sunday 24th November 2019

There is a saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. We find many examples in our world of the abuse of power, oppression, injustice, and cruelty. Christ is a different sort of ruler or king, because the only power that the Lord uses is love. We never need to fear ill treatment at the Lord’s hands, and He holds to account all of the rulers of the earth for their behavior and treatment of others.

David was king of Israel, and although a great king, he abused power and he suffered as a result. Jesus rules the world and the universe – everything is reconciled in him, since he is the first born of creation.

One of the two thieves crucified with Jesus mocked him — as did the crowd — and urged him to save himself and them, if he truly was a king. That is the human response — show power. The other thief understood what was happening: Jesus was the sinless one, and his death was on behalf of all. He asked but one thing: to be with Jesus in paradise in his kingdom. The kingdom of God is not built on force or violence, but on love, compassion, and justice.

The world will continue to be a scary and dangerous place until we all learn this lesson. Let us exercise the power of love each day, even if only in small ways. We can make a great change.

Lord, lead me on the path to Your kingdom.