In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been made worthy to come into the kingdom of Jesus through his death on the cross and his rising to new life.
Jesus is the center of God’s plan of creation: “All were created through him, and for him. He is before all else that is.” Jesus is the “image of the invisible God,” an obvious reference to Adam’s creation in God’s image. Jesus, then, is the ideal human being; he shows us our real potential as human beings because of God’s great love.
Jesus is also the agent of redemption, the new creation. As he was the firstborn of all creatures, Jesus is also the firstborn from the dead. As all things were created in him, so he reconciles everything in his person. Today we acclaim him head of the Church and ruler of the universe.
The gospel reading reminds us that Jesus is King and his throne is the cross. His kingship is one of love and sacrifice, not power and dominion.
While we join the Church in acclaiming Jesus as King, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ reign is ultimately exercised in the mind and heart of each believer. Like the thief on the cross, each of us must recognize Jesus in faith. Like him, our prayer at the moment of death can be: “Jesus, remember me when you enter upon your reign.” And Jesus, our redeemer and Lord, will respond with loving compassion: “This day you will be with me in paradise.”
But we have work to do now for the building up of Jesus’ kingdom. His kingdom is one of justice and peace for every person. Every person, regardless of race or creed or economic status, possesses dignity as an image of God. Everyone has a right and a responsibility to contribute his or her talents in the making of human society.
As faithful disciples of Jesus, you and I are asked to treat everyone with reverence and help them to recognize and respect their own dignity as an image of God. We can also make efforts to help transform our society to be more just and less violent.
May Jesus be King for us – the center of our hearts. May he transform us more completely in his image, so that we are better able to see his image in one another and in everyone we meet.
