In today's Gospel, we learn about how Jesus is our heavenly King, and how this is much more than a royal king on earth. Like the thief on the cross, those who recognize Jesus as King will be rewarded in Heaven.
Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and our minds. Fill us with your peace, love, and understanding. Help us to hear God's message today and recognize His voice in our daily activities. Amen
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God. "Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself. "Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us. "The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAoCnURAlXM (Accredited to Catholic Kids Media)
Say: Today is the Feast of Christ the King. Show children the paper crown.
Ask: What do you know about kings and queens? Invite the children to wear the crown as they answer.
Say: We call Jesus our King, but he is not like the kings and queens of countries. Jesus is the King of Heaven and the Son of God. He shows us the way to eternal life.
Say: In today’s Gospel, Jesus is dying on the Cross. Only one person recognizes that Jesus is our King.
Say: The people who do not recognize Jesus as King treat him cruelly. Ask: Who recognizes Jesus as King? (the second criminal)
Say: He asks Jesus to remember him. Ask: How does Jesus respond? (He says that the criminal will be with him in paradise.)
Say: Jesus offers us eternal life in heaven with him. When we believe in him and know his words are true, we honor him as our King.
Father in heaven, for the sake of bringing others closer to you, we give you today, all that we think and do and say, and we join it with all that was done by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
