Sunday November 23rd: Into the embrace of God

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’

Luke 23:35-43

The people looked,
The leaders jeered,
The soldiers mocked
One thief abused
The other spoke up
Jesus answered…

Today’s Gospel invites us to get off the sidelines, break the silence, and step away from mob reaction if we desire to get an immediate and favourable response from Christ our King.

When last did you face someone who overturned the values and rules of the powerful so that the oppressed, their God-given dignity respected, could exercise their right to participate and share God’s bounty?

What posture did you adopt? Were you part of the unspecial crowd? The elite circle? The specialized protectors of the status -quo? The outcasts? Or the empathizer?

Remembering that although systems have the potential to create bullies and victims of bullies, individuals choose alternate routes: speaking out against tyranny and/or stopping violence. By embracing every moment and every experience as an opportunity to draw others into the embrace of God, we too will be with Christ, in paradise, now.

When facing self doubt, family loyalty, work or school expectations, community and political pressures, let’s consistently respect each person’s unity with God and all creation.