Living Stones

Father Andrzej Wyrostek
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 23, 2025

My dear friends we are approaching the end of the liturgical year and so our readings draw our attention to the final moments of our life whether here on earth or the life with God in heaven. The man hanging on the Cross, as we read in the Gospel, next to the Savior, aware of the evil he has committed in his life, utters the request, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Isn’t this too presumptuous though one might ask? Did this man have the right to ask for such a thing knowing he was dying just like the one who had spent his life doing good?

When a loved one passes away many people ask God, “Why?” And thus, they close themselves off from their pain and loss in the past. And the good thief, hanging on the Cross, seems to be saying to us, “Think about your future.” Don’t ask “why” but ask “what for?” In this way you will see a different perspective full of hope, and you will ask, like the young man in the Gospel, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

We are also well familiar with the inscription that pilot ordered placed over the head of Jesus of Nazareth, in Greek, Latin and Hebrew that read: “This is the king of the Jews.” What does this actually mean? Where is his Kingdom? During holy Mass we confess, “For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever,” as we will recite in a little bit. This refers to the eternal and universal kingdom inaugurated by Jesus’ coming to earth In his incarnation. The preface for today’s solemnity reminds us, specifying that this is the “Kingdom of truth and life, the kingdom of holiness and grace, the Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.”

Yet reflecting on many of our decisions, we find ourselves sometimes at odds with Jesus, as if our attitude was represented here by one of the thieves who taunts Jesus on the cross. He himself is unable to reconsider his life and his behavior. It seems as if, in the face of death, he is trying to suppress his remorse, feel better, and seek his own justification. At the same time, he is trying to shift the blame onto Jesus who despite his divine power, proved helpless in his eyes for a moment. 

From baptism, our own baptism, we share in Jesus’ royal mission, which is connected with his incarnation. It consists in bearing witness to the truth and living a life guided by love for one’s neighbor. From this stems the obligation to cultivate personal, inner freedom, but also to free our environments and the world from sin and evil. Therefore, every intentional disciple of Christ must take special care to ensure freedom from sin and evil in his or her life and the family. Fulfilling this royal mission is also achieved through mutual support in crisis situations, helping each other with household chores, accepting others as they are, and the ability to forgive. 

Let us then be obedient to God the King of the Universe. The king of our life. Let us live love every day so that his Kingdom may grow in our hearts and in the hearts of those we encounter.