Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The first reading describes David becoming King of Israel, an event that foreshadowed Jesus’ kingship. St. Paul describes Jesus' kingdom as truly universal… ”all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Paul goes on to say that in all things He is preeminent. Paul makes no mistake…Jesus is King of all creation…King of the entire universe! Considering Paul’s glowing description of Jesus’ kingdom, the Gospel reading might seem odd. Here is the King of the Universe dying a horrible death in the company of two known criminals and being mocked by everyone. This is certainly not the King that the Jewish people were longing for; even Jesus’ disciples questioned Him about when he was going to restore the kingdom. However, as He did throughout His ministry, Jesus is showing the world that His kingdom is not like any earthly kingdom. No, in His kingdom the first shall be last, and the “strongest” must serve the “weakest.” To be great in Jesus’ kingdom means to serve, not to be served. His kingdom is based on self-sacrificing love, shown most clearly in His death for us on the cross. To be part of Jesus’ kingdom in the next life, we need to be part of His kingdom in this life. How do our values and actions measure up to the standard Jesus set for his kingdom? Reflection by parishioner, John Ceglarek