Well, today we find ourselves at the end of the liturgical year. This weekend as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, we recognize Jesus as King of all the earth and of our lives. You know, from the dawn of civilization there have been rulers who fought for power or worldwide dominion. Some of those like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Augustus Caesar or Adolf Hitler came close to achieving such power. Some kingdoms, such as the Roman Empire existed for many years. But despite the power, the armies, and the fights for glory, all of the great rulers in history proved to be just like everyone else. They were mortal. They had their day in the sun....only to disappear after death. Likewise, their kingdoms were only temporary. Today, on the Feast of Christ the King we celebrate a completely different kind of King and a different kind of Kingdom.

Jesus Christ came to serve all, even His enemies. Rather than executing His opponents, He forgave them. He built no temples or monuments proclaiming His greatness. He called His subjects “Friends” not servants. Finally, even though He died as other kings died, it was for a different purpose. He died willingly to save His people. But death was not the end, was it? Christ our King rose from the dead in glory. No other ruler could do that.

So I ask you today....do you accept Christ as King in your heart? You know, each of us has the power to truly accept or to deny Christ this kingship in his or her own life. He comes to each of us freely and offers all that He has to us. Still, we are also free to say “Yes” or “No” to Jesus. It is up to us. Think for a moment back to the crucifixion story and the two thieves on either side of Jesus. One accepted Jesus and all that He could offer, the other did not. One was promised paradise, the other was lost in his anger and bitterness. The man we have come to call the “good thief” called out... “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. Isn't this an incredible prayer? A man who is being executed recognizes in another man....Jesus.....his last hope and his salvation. This prayer should be our prayer as well. “Jesus, remember me”. How many times do we feel that we are going under? At times life's burdens just seem to be too much to handle. But when we look at Jesus dying on the cross, we realize that His death is our hope. Remember His response to the good thief...”I tell, this day you will be with me in paradise.” So let us finish this Church year with this wonderful note of hope....hope for the future and hope for the present. Hope in a God who cares for us beyond our wildest imagination.