The Solemnity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Cycle C
Reflecting on Luke 23: 35-43
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
These words, remembered in Luke’s gospel, might be the most cherished words of our faith. St. Dismas (the Penitent Thief) rebuked the other thief who was mocking Jesus from his cross. St. Dismas, in a moment of great faith, turned to Jesus and asked that he be remembered.
But it’s those words that Jesus speaks that fill our hearts with comfort every time we hear them. Today you will be with me in Paradise. Oh yes, Jesus, on this great feast of your kingship over all the earth, please grant that each of us will be with you in your kingdom.
Imagine today what Paradise will be. In my youth, I envisioned a hedonistic eternity, with every imaginable delicious dessert mine for the taking. But the years have softened my selfishness. These days, I pray for a Paradise that has somehow gathered even the worst of the worst into an eternity of deep repentance and astonishing forgiveness.
Paradise will restore us to our youthful bodies. There will be no illness, no sadness, no death. We will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). There will be abundant food and water for all creation: I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water” (Isaiah 41: 17-18).
Paradise will be where ALL creation experiences the eternal goodness of God.
Jesus, remember us.
How do you imagine Paradise?
Kathy McGovern ©2025