34th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A - 26/11/2023 - Gospel: Mt 25, 31-46
God's Kingdom
Jesus is both emperor and king. He is the emperor because he is a descendant of King David. He is King of the universe because he has conquered forever the power of sin and death. The Temple authority had no problem accepting Jesus as a descendant of David, but they condemned him for blasphemy when he made a claim to be God's Son. Jesus chose to empty himself on the cross to save us, and that caused many to fail to see him as the Eternal King. He chose to die through violence and humiliation on the cross, which made many believe that he was not a saviour, but rather a criminal. Those who, with the eyes of faith, were able to see beyond the cross would hope to meet the Eternal King again.
It began at the inscription placed above his head, which said, 'Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews' v.38. The inscription was written in different languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; all official and popular languages at the time, indicating Jesus was the universal king. When this inscription was on the lips of those who mocked and humiliated him; they would not see him as their king; but when it was in the hearts of those who loved him dearly, and firmly believed in his words, their hope of meeting him again became reality three days after he was nailed to the cross. His Resurrection brought them everlasting joy. The simple but powerful message 'He is Risen' has spread like fire, bringing immense joy for his followers; and fear to those who crucified him. The cross presents the reality of life; that besides glory and power, every earthly king has his own cross to bear, and all earthly kings die with their dreams unfulfilled.
An earthly kingdom is not a kingdom the Eternal King would like to establish. Jesus defined his kingdom with mercy, forgiveness, and boundless love. It is demonstrated through his prayer: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'. v.34. And the power to forgive sin when a repentant thief asked of him: 'Truly, you will be with me today in paradise' v.43.
The dialogue between Jesus and the repentant thief confirmed that physical life has an end; while eternal life that Jesus gives has no end. It is confirmed by the reality of his rise from death. His resurrection reveals His Eternal Kingdom, and that kingdom would be above all other earthly kingdoms. Jesus is the king of the universe, and his kingdom lasts forever.
Jesus chose the cross, and the authority and soldiers challenged him to come down from the cross for them to believe. Faith in Jesus must flow from the inner, from the depth of one's heart, not from outer, miracle, or military power. One of the thieves; looked at Jesus but failed to see him as God's Son. On his lips, he asked Jesus to save him, but his heart had no love for him. Because of the absence of love, Jesus kept silent. The other thief, in his agony, looked deep into his heart; and recognized how wrong he was. He looked at Jesus and saw how righteous Jesus was. He turned to Jesus, publicly confessed his sin, loved him, and asked for forgiveness. Jesus pardoned his sin and gave him the promise of paradise. This promise affirms that Jesus opens his kingdom for all who repent, love him, and confess their sin, even at the last minute.
The dialogue between Pilate and Jesus at his trial revealed that some expected Jesus as king of Israel. Pilate himself asked Jesus, 'Are you the king of Israel? v.3'. Jesus asked him if it was his own idea, or if he had heard others talk about his kingship. Pilate refused to reveal his inner life, Jesus calmed him, saying: 'My kingdom is not of this world Jn 18.36'. Pilate probably could not make sense of what Jesus was talking about, but he believed Jesus caused no threat to his power and the Roman Empire. Again, when Pilate made the claim that he had the power to judge or release Jesus (Jn 18,10). In his reply, Jesus told Pilate that his power was given to him from on high, not the Roman Empire. In both instances, Pilate failed to understand what Jesus had to offer.
It began at the inscription placed above his head, which said, 'Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews' v.38. The inscription was written in different languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; all official and popular languages at the time, indicating Jesus was the universal king. When this inscription was on the lips of those who mocked and humiliated him; they would not see him as their king; but when it was in the hearts of those who loved him dearly, and firmly believed in his words, their hope of meeting him again became reality three days after he was nailed to the cross. His Resurrection brought them everlasting joy. The simple but powerful message 'He is Risen' has spread like fire, bringing immense joy for his followers; and fear to those who crucified him. The cross presents the reality of life; that besides glory and power, every earthly king has his own cross to bear, and all earthly kings die with their dreams unfulfilled.
An earthly kingdom is not a kingdom the Eternal King would like to establish. Jesus defined his kingdom with mercy, forgiveness, and boundless love. It is demonstrated through his prayer: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'. v.34. And the power to forgive sin when a repentant thief asked of him: 'Truly, you will be with me today in paradise' v.43.
The dialogue between Jesus and the repentant thief confirmed that physical life has an end; while eternal life that Jesus gives has no end. It is confirmed by the reality of his rise from death. His resurrection reveals His Eternal Kingdom, and that kingdom would be above all other earthly kingdoms. Jesus is the king of the universe, and his kingdom lasts forever.
Jesus chose the cross, and the authority and soldiers challenged him to come down from the cross for them to believe. Faith in Jesus must flow from the inner, from the depth of one's heart, not from outer, miracle, or military power. One of the thieves; looked at Jesus but failed to see him as God's Son. On his lips, he asked Jesus to save him, but his heart had no love for him. Because of the absence of love, Jesus kept silent. The other thief, in his agony, looked deep into his heart; and recognized how wrong he was. He looked at Jesus and saw how righteous Jesus was. He turned to Jesus, publicly confessed his sin, loved him, and asked for forgiveness. Jesus pardoned his sin and gave him the promise of paradise. This promise affirms that Jesus opens his kingdom for all who repent, love him, and confess their sin, even at the last minute.
The dialogue between Pilate and Jesus at his trial revealed that some expected Jesus as king of Israel. Pilate himself asked Jesus, 'Are you the king of Israel? v.3'. Jesus asked him if it was his own idea, or if he had heard others talk about his kingship. Pilate refused to reveal his inner life, Jesus calmed him, saying: 'My kingdom is not of this world Jn 18.36'. Pilate probably could not make sense of what Jesus was talking about, but he believed Jesus caused no threat to his power and the Roman Empire. Again, when Pilate made the claim that he had the power to judge or release Jesus (Jn 18,10). In his reply, Jesus told Pilate that his power was given to him from on high, not the Roman Empire. In both instances, Pilate failed to understand what Jesus had to offer.
Written by Fr Vũđình Tường
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
