Fr. Michael Williams

When we think of Kings and Queens we tens to think of pomp and ceremony. This will no doubt be the case when Prince William and Kate Middleton marry next year.

But the gospel of St Luke reveals a very different kind of kingship that Jesus manifested. Jesus’ throne is not a grandiose one, but the wood of the Cross, which was reserved for common criminals. His crown is not of gold, but a crown of thorns. And He is not in the company of the great and the good, but of two criminals.

Jesus’ Kingdom is not one that earthly rulers would regard; Jesus’ Kingdom is ‘a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace’.

Jesus’ Kingdom is one of truth because He is the Truth; He reveals the truth about God and about ourselves. And even if violence is issued against this Truth, it does not stop being the Truth. On the Cross the Truth continues to proceed into the world, despite the ridicule and mockery.

Jesus’ Kingdom is one of life, true life. When one of the thieves turns to Jesus, Our Lord offers him life: life for all eternity in paradise. This is the real life we were made for; at the moment we’re only living in shadows. The true life is to know Jesus and the One who sent Him.

Jesus’ Kingdom is one of love and peace. Despite the mockery and the scorn that Jesus receives on the Cross, He continues to reveal love and peace. He does not return mockery for mockery or scorn for scorn. He reveals patience and calm serenity, despite the terrible sufferings he was enduring, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Jesus established His Kingdom on earth, but it only reached its fullness in paradise. As members of Christ’s Kingdom, we are called to manifest its qualities to this earth: Truth, Life, Love and Peace.

If we try to manifest these qualities to our world we will face opposition: it’s guaranteed. The Prince of this world hates Christ and His Kingdom and will vent his fury against it.

Nevertheless, if we stay close to Christ, through prayer, the Sacraments, the Bible, we can manifest Christ’s Truth, Life, Love and Peace to the world. Get ready to receive some ridicule: Christ did. But if we turn to Him constantly for help, He will always listen. And then on our last day we will hopefully hear Him say to us: ‘I promise you, today you will be with me in Paradise’, a place where peace, joy, and love last forever.