The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are the 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 Messiah? 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 you kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:35-43 (NABRE)
Saved at the last second, but saved nonetheless.
This is the last Sunday Gospel reading before Advent, which marks the beginning of the liturgical year. During the season of Advent, we wait in expectation for the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, the namesake of today’s feast day. Such a title sounds imposing and mightily powerful to our ears and may produce images of extravagant palaces or even dictatorial rule in our minds. Of course, it always helps to take a step back and think things over more carefully.
In this Gospel reading, we see the King of the Universe stripped naked and hanging on the Cross, beaten, lacerated, and naked, accomplishing the salvific mission for which He was sent. Bystanders taunt Him and arrogantly demand a sign, but the Lord remains powerfully silent.
Think of it. The King of Kings comes down to earth and so humbly saves us. He does not use His divine power to save Himself and make a spectacle of His enemies. Rather, He makes a spectacle of sin and death by His death and Resurrection, both preceded by His Sacrifice on the Cross. He does this to give us, His beloved sheep, newness of life. At each and every Mass, this same Sacrifice is re-presented and renewed, albeit in a bloodless manner. There, on the altar, Jesus is truly present, crucified and entirely offering Himself up to the Father for our salvation. Jesus, crowned with the thorns, is our Savior-King. He exercises His royal office in giving Himself up for the salvation of all. We have as our God and King so great a savior who would humble Himself in such a way and show us, starkly, the depths of His love for us.
It is a gory and painful display of divine love for each and every one of us, straight down to the individual. Down to you. Down to me. Yes, Jesus had you in mind as He hung on the Cross.
Thank you for reading. Peace.
Eat the Scroll 