It is so fitting that on this week, the first part finale of Harry Potter comes to a close. The series we all loved since the beginning is now finally coming to an end. So also is the Church's liturgical season drawing to a close. The feast of Christ the King marks the end of the liturgical year and next week will be advent already. In the same way, the Church and the world is also waiting for the second coming when Christ will be ruler and King above all and that is also the end of the terrestrial history.
We all can't wait for that. What is the lesson of today's Gospel? It is partly eschatological and partly ecclessiological. There is a striking line coming from Jesus at the end which is the only line we find Jesus speaking.
"Today you shall be with me in paradise"
He didn't say heaven because the thief cannot enter heaven unless Christ return for the second coming. The thief did not die after but Jesus is truthful when said that. And that line will be the only line He will utter when he comes again. For example, he saw me, Paul you will be with me in paradise. He has nothing to say to those who are mocking him which means he has nothing to tell them when he returns. Only torment and fire awaits them. The abyss is ready! So also is heaven ready to accommodate us!
Jesus is teaching the Church to be more reflective of their sins and ask him to bring us to heaven. The story of the thief inspires us that it is never to late even if you are a sinner. The Church is collectively a clique of sinners working their way to restore the image that was lost in Eden.
Christ is our King!
No comments:
Post a Comment