The King We Did Not Expect, but the King We Need The Gospel recounts Jesus on the cross being mocked . . . . . . by rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals, while the other criminal acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and asks to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus responds with the promise of paradise. Christ the King The Homily reflects on the Feast of Christ the King, instituted in 1925 to counter rising secularism and remind the world that true authority belongs to God. While earthly kings are associated with power and honor, Christ’s kingship is revealed paradoxically through His suffering on the cross. Unlike Adam, who misused his authority through disobedience under a tree, Jesus restores humanity through obedience on the cross, offering His life for His subjects. The message emphasizes that if Christ is truly King of our lives, He must influence every part of us . . . our decisions, actions, words, and daily living . . . not just selective areas or limited moments like Sundays. As the liturgical year ends, the faithful are invited to reflect on whether they have allowed Christ to reign fully in their hearts, lives, and families, asking God for the grace to let Christ transform and lead them completely. Listen to this Meditation Media: Listen to: The King We Did Not Expect, but the King We Need ------------------------------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 35-43 First Reading: 2 Samuel 5: 1-3 Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20 ------------------------------------------------------------ Art Work Christ the King: American Artist: Charles Willson Peale: between 1920s and 1950s