The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe

Luke 23: 35-43: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. “He replied to him, “Amen I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

On Friday, waiting to be seated at a restaurant, an enthusiastic grandmother introduced me to a vibrant boy who had been adopted earlier that morning. An adorable, red-haired lad, sporting red glasses and an incredible smile was jumping for joy. His two younger siblings were also adopted.

His face still opens my heart. He waited for family. He waited to belong. His grandmother believed Jesus had drawn the three children to their family. I believe Jesus remembered him. Jesus wanted the best for him. Jesus understood that he had suffered enough.

The conclusion of the liturgical year brings us to Christ the King. In the end, the repentant thief received Jesus’ forgiveness just before his death. In the end we all find what we need. We are adopted by the Savior. We belong to Him. He knows each of us. He wants us all to find such a grin and warm hugs on our adopted day; the day of baptism. No matter our sin, our heartache, our fear, Jesus reaches out to us, no matter what.

Christ the King lives in us. We are all different. Yet, we get what we long for. In the end, all will be well. In the end, we shall discover that only God unites us to others and ultimately to Himself. Jesus remembers us. He will provide what we need, to be adopted in Paradise even here on earth.