The Kingship of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Thirty Fourth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Luke 23:35-43* 

*First Reading : 2 Samuel 5:1-3*

*Responsorial Psalm : 122*

*Second Reading : Col 1:12-20*

*The Kingship of Jesus*

*1) A Kingship of Truth, Not Territory*

Jesus tells Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36). His kingship is not based on land, armies, or political power.

It is rooted in truth—the truth about God, the truth about the human person, and the truth that sets people free. He reigns wherever hearts open themselves to the truth of the Gospel.

*2) A Kingship of Service, Not Domination*

Earthly kings rule by command; Jesus rules by washing feet. He exercises authority by serving, healing, teaching, and giving His life.

His throne is the Cross, the place where love reigns most powerfully. His crown is made of thorns, showing that true greatness is self-giving love.

*3) A Kingship of Mercy, Not Judgment First*

Jesus is a king who seeks the lost, heals the broken, and forgives sinners.

He says, “I came to seek and save what was lost.” His judgment comes only after His mercy has been rejected many times.

He reigns above all through compassion, embracing even the thief on the cross.

*4) A Kingship of Hearts, Not Systems*

Worldly kings rule by systems, structures, and laws. Jesus rules from within—transforming hearts, renewing minds, changing lives.

When a person allows Jesus’ words to shape their decisions, values, and relationships, His kingship becomes a lived reality.

*5) A Kingship that Frees, Not Enslaves*

Earthly power often enslaves through fear, control, and violence. Jesus sets people free—from sin, guilt, fear, hatred, and despair.

His kingdom is one of freedom shaped by love, where obedience is not forced but welcomed.

*6) A Kingship that Welcomes the Poor and Forgotten*

In Jesus’ kingdom, the first are last and the last are first. He lifts up the humble, blesses the poor, embraces children, and honors the least valued.

This upside-down kingdom reveals the true heart of God.

*7) Kingship Already Present, Yet Not Fully Realized*

Jesus reigns now through the Church, the Sacraments, and the Holy Spirit.

But His kingdom will reach fullness at His Second Coming. We live in the “already but not yet”—a kingdom growing quietly like a mustard seed.

*9) A Kingship That Demands a Response*

Every kingship demands allegiance. We cannot call Jesus our King while living divided lives.

To choose Jesus as King means:

His word guides our choices, His mercy shapes our relationships, His mission becomes our mission.

The Kingship of Jesus consists of:

Truth that enlightens, Love that serves, Mercy that embraces, Holiness that transforms, Freedom that liberates, Justice that lifts up the lowly, Hope that leads to eternal life

He is a King whose power is love, whose law is mercy, and whose victory is the Cross.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*