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Gospel Reading for November 23, 2025 – Luke 23: 35-43
SAFE
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”
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.”
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Before the practice was abolished, it was mandatory for Thai commoners and officials (including military) to do the mawp klaan (crawling prostration) whenever the king passes by, to show great respect and humility. In the gospel of today, Jesus, Son of God, King of the Universe was treated with utter disrespect by the soldiers and by a criminal. Why did God the Father allow this to happen to his Son? Would a father allow his child to be disrespected so?
Things are very different with God. The great respect and humility he requires of us is not for himself. He does not really need these because he is God. No one can be greater than him. These have to be practiced most especially with those in need. To give God great respect means to respect all of his creation (not only humans). To show great humility is to recognize that we have to depend on him for our sustenance, which will redound to our benefit because we can have all the things we need while we live on earth. The great sin of PRIDE cannot lord it over us, and we will always be SAFE whenever we acknowledge that Jesus is our king!
Christu vincit! Christus regñat, Christus, Christus imperat!
