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A team of 200 priests comment on daily Gospel

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Liturgical day: Sunday 34th in Ordinary Time: Christ the King (C)

Gospel text (Lk 23,35-43): The people stood by watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, «Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!». The soldiers also mocked him (...), they said, «So you are the king of the Jews? Free yourself!». The people stood by watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, «Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!». The soldiers also mocked him and when they drew near to offer him bitter wine, they said, «So you are the king of the Jews? Free yourself!». For above him was an inscription which read, «This is the King of the Jews».

One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, «So you are the Messiah? Save yourself and us as well!». But the other rebuked him, saying, «Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong». And he said, «Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom». Jesus replied, «Truly, you will be with me today in paradise».

Illustration: Pili Piñero

Today, on the Cross, Jesus is "equal" to God, which is Love. We can recognize his "divine royalty." Jesus gives us the "life" because he gives us God. One of the criminals, aware of his sins, opens up to the truth and implores to the "King of the Jews": "Jesus, remember me." The "good thief" immediately receives forgiveness and the joy of entering the Kingdom of Christ.

—Jesus, from the throne of the Cross, welcomes all men with infinite mercy.