This Sunday brings us to the close of the liturgical year – a day on which we celebrate the kingship of Jesus. His is a kingdom of love, mercy, peace and hope, of which we are invited to be part.
In the First Reading, an earthly king, David, unites Israel under his rule, having first been chosen by God. David is part of God’s plan, and the people confirm him.
The Psalm celebrates Jerusalem, the Holy City, where God’s people come together. We are reminded of God’s presence at the centre of our faith and our community.
The writer of the letter to the Colossians (Second Reading) speaks of the authority and power of Jesus. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we gain our freedom, and the forgiveness of our sins.
In the Gospel, we return to the foot of the cross of our crucified King. Here, the promise of salvation to the penitent criminal reminds us of the depth of Jesus’s love and mercy for all.