Psalm 46 / Luke 23:33-43

This Sunday is the last Sunday in the Christian year. It is traditionally called Christ the King Sunday. To be more familiar to our way of life, many of us call it Reign of Christ Sunday. And the Gospel reading is taken from the end of the story: Luke 23:33-43.

Jesus has been arrested and tortured, and is on the cross. Consider how most hero stories end with the hero triumphant. Is Jesus triumphant or defeated?

Notice his company: two criminals. Are criminals still welcome among the company of Jesus? Why or why not?

Jesus assures one criminal that “today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Do some research — what is Paradise?