“There was an inscription over His head: ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ ” —Luke 23:38
On this last Sunday of the Church year, we totally commit our lives to Jesus and acknowledge Him as our King and the King of kings (Rv 19:16). Like the good thief, we may have ignored Jesus’ kingship for years or even for our entire lives, but we can repent today. When with contrite hearts we say, “Jesus, remember me when You enter upon Your reign” (Lk 23:42), Jesus will also reply to us: “I assure you: this day you will be with Me in paradise” (Lk 23:43).
Today we can make or renew a commitment to Jesus, which will have eternal significance. Some people think they don’t need to commit their lives to Jesus. They are “good people” who go to church, pray, and have decent morals. Yet all this is only part of being a subject of King Jesus. He rightly demands not just people who are good, prayerful, and decent but people who are begotten from above (Jn 3:3), new creations (2 Cor 5:17), and children of God (Jn 1:12).
To be born again, be made new, and become children of our heavenly Father, we must be baptised into King Jesus (Rm 6:3) and live that new life by faith. This faith will be expressed in total commitment of our lives to King Jesus.
PRAYER: King Jesus, thank You for the ultimate privilege of being Your subject. I give all to You.
PROMISE: “He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Through Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.” —Col 1:13-14
PRAISE: All praise to You, Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords! All hail, King Jesus! Alleluia!
Reference: This teaching was submitted by a member of the editorial team of Fr Al Laury’s Presentation Ministries, who, in accord with the Code of Canon Law, have been granted the Nihil Obstat (Church’s permission & Blessing) for the publication of these reflections.
John Portelli
