Parish Bulletin

PARISH NEWS

Sweetest Words

Jesus approaches his death just as he lived; challenging us to expand our notions of what his kingdom and kingship is about. Splendour and censure mark out earthly royalty but Jesus’ “kingship” seems to be about humility, self-sacrifice and mercy instead of pomp and circumstance. Our king is King of the Universe and yet servant of all. He rules from a cross rather than a throne, unrecognisable as King to those expecting power or glory.

Through the two criminals crucified beside him we glimpse the truth. One, sincerely accepting Jesus, identifies him as “King”, addresses him directly by name, asking to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Surely Jesus words to him are the sweetest ever heard, “This day you will be with me in paradise.” The other criminal mocks Jesus but we hear no condemnation from Jesus.

We who are working out our salvation with hopeful confidence in Jesus’ promises have good reason for hope! There is an encouraging, well-known saying in light of these criminals:

“Do not DESPAIR one of the criminals was SAVED;
But do not PRESUME one of the criminals was DAMNED”.

How true is that! We know of some in heaven but we don’t know for sure of a single soul in hell, although, given free will, one might choose that option. Only God knows what goes on in a single human heart and this is the God who loves all of us to excess. Hell is real and eternal but we can hope that no human is ultimately damned.

Here we are back at the central message of Jesus who is eager to free us from our sins and grant us the gift of everlasting life: the deep meaning of the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which we celebrate this week.

Deacon Mark Kelly