"How often do you think of Jesus as king in your everyday life?" 
Homily for Christ the King Sunday
34th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (34C)
November 25, 2007

Sunday Readings 

 “Jesus, you are king! Everything is yours. I place every situation in my life under your authority. Fill me with your love so that I can experience your reign more fully. I believe that you are always with me.”
- A Homily Reflection from The Word among Us

Jesus is the king over all creation. Everything was created for him, and nothing is outside of his authority. A day will come when he will return to the earth to put an end to all evil and establish his throne in justice and peace. What could be more hopeful a promise than this?

 How often do you think of Jesus as king in your everyday life? It’s easy to believe and trust him when our lives are flowing along smoothly. However, when we come into seasons of intense difficulty—or even intense happiness—it can become much more difficult to keep Jesus on the throne of our hearts.  

The “good thief” in today’s Gospel reading knew that he was guilty and was paying for his crime. He was on the rocky road that leads to death. But rather than succumb to despair, he submitted himself and his fate to Jesus, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). As a result, he died at peace with God and had no need to worry about where he was bound. Coming under Jesus’ rule—even at the last hour—brought him great joy and peace.

 St. Augustine once said that our hearts are restless until they rest in Jesus. How better to find rest in Jesus than by receiving his own Living Bread? Today when you receive the Eucharist, imitate the good thief. Bow down before your King, and let him reign in your heart. Then, watch to see what he does in you. Our God is all-powerful. When we spend time resting in his presence, he gives us the grace we need to continue on our journey. When we are restless, he can become our rest. Nothing is beyond his ability!

 “Jesus, you are king! Everything is yours. I place every situation in my life under your authority. Fill me with your love so that I can experience your reign more fully. I believe that you are always with me.”

  2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 23:35-43