Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – Christ the King – Cycle C

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • 2 Samuel 5:1-3
  • Colossians 1:12-20
  • Luke 23:35-43

Today was the feast of Christ the King.  The Pauline children knew that this was the end of the liturgical year.  White and gold vestments … candles … uplifting music.   This was a Sunday to really celebrate!

“I love feast days,” Lucy said.  “I love the songs!”

Hillary had just placed the white vestment on the priest paper doll.  “Me too!  I love the joy, and imagining Jesus as the King of all kings with a crown, and vestments, and people worshiping Him!” 

Dad called the family to gather for the Gospel reading.  Everyone listened with anticipation to hear about Jesus adorned in all His glory.  When Dad was finished, all the children sat there stunned.

“Dad … ?” Lucy asked.  “Are you sure you read the right reading for today? Maybe you read the Good Friday one by accident!”

“Yeah, Dad,” Vincent said.  “This is the feast day of Christ the King!  Shouldn’t the reading be more joyous or something?”

Dad sat back and smiled.  He had thought the very same things as a child.  This reading told of Jesus being mocked and crucified.  How did that fit with our idea of a king?  So Dad posed this question to his kids, “In our reading, Jesus is being tortured and put to death.  Soldiers are ridiculing Him and telling Him to save Himself if He’s truly the Messiah.  He is hanging close to death on a rugged cross.  How does this differ from our idea of Christ as King?”

“Well,” Mary Clare said, “I keep thinking about this scene.  Jesus has a crown of thorns, His throne is the cross, His body is bloody and beaten, and His ‘subjects’ are soldiers who are mocking Him.”

“That’s right, Mary Clare,” Mom said.  “The crucifixion scene of Jesus being hailed as King of the Jews seems out of place when we think of earthly kings.  So, then, we have to take a step back and look at the entire picture.”

“Exactly,” Dad agreed.  “We are all saddened by the image of Jesus being tortured on the cross.  But this is something He did for ALL of us.  Because He died on the cross, all of us can join with Him in His heavenly reign.”

“I know you’re right,” Lucy said. “But I keep wondering where the joy of this reading is.”

“The joy, Lucy,” Dad said, “comes from the cross.  It shows the extent of the love Jesus has for us.  And remember, Jesus Himself said He was not of this world.  Think of the last line of this reading. 

One of the criminals says to Jesus, ‘Remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  And Jesus replied, ’Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'”   (Luke23:42-43)

“Paradise sounds heavenly … and joyful!” Lucy cooed.

“Our hope is that we will be with Jesus in paradise,” Mom added.  “So when we see Jesus in heaven, we will see Him as the King of kings, in all His glorious array.  He will be seated on the throne at the right hand of God the Father.”

“So, this reading isn’t out of order for the feast of Christ the King!” Vincent stated.  “If Jesus hadn’t died for us, none of us could enter with Him in His heavenly reign.”

“You’re right!” Mary Clare said.  “It is a happy, joyful day!  And this reading is perfect!”

Discuss with your family why the Church selected this reading for the feast of Christ the King.  What does it say to you?

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

Christ the KingDownload

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