Standing By

A Reflection on the Gospel for November 24th, 2019:
​The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Luke 23.35-43

And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at Jesus saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked Jesus, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

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Reading this passage over and over I am struck by the words, “And the people stood by, watching.” There is a feeling of helplessness in this statement — terrible grieving. But there is also the feeling that some of the people watching are morbidly fascinated and enthralled by the suffering of others. The Lord knew them, understood them, each and every one of them; as it is with us.

​Every moment of His life leads to this moment. He is in the will of the Father. Every moment brings Him closer to "it is finished" (John 19:30) and before that, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He came and died so that we might have life. He left us with His Holy Spirit so that we would never feel helpless, but courageous in loving because to love unconditionally is an act of courage; there is always the risk of being crucified, if only emotionally, and that is bad enough. The thieves on their crosses embody the humanity watching; one deriding, one believing.

​I remember clearly not believing in God. I will always regret not coming to the altar sooner. But that is past and God says, “Come back to me, all is forgiven”. He made us for Paradise and it’s a long and narrow road back. We are about to enter into the Season of Advent; preparing for not only His birth but His second coming. Like the thief on the cross who believed, I come back, I trust, and I wait in hope and joy and peace, believing that He will come again. ​


​
​Judy Savoy

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