A Daily Catholic Reflection
Readings: 2 Sm 5:1-3; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5; Col 1:12-20; Mk 11:9, 10; Lk 23:35-43
Today’s readings contrast our Blessed Lord’s human and divine nature.Â
Paul’s letter begins by describing the divine nature of Christ, and Luke displays his human nature. He is the image of the invisible God, who died in the face of man. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, yet was rejected and killed by his creation.
The depths our Lord went to in order to reach us and pull us out of death, no act could ever match or exceed such love.Â
The Son of God dying for the lovers of sin.
Yet, this is where he meets us. While we were still sinners Christ died for us. If God acts, he can only act in love. He needs nothing, and he fears nothing.
What is man that you are mindful of him?
Christ becomes man and, more than that, allows himself to be judged by man, condemned by man, and ultimately executed by man.
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
However, that wasn’t the defeat of our Lord nor a failed mission. Instead, after his crowning and his exaltation, all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Our Blessed Lord’s mercy did not fade even in the face of death.
He prayed for his executioners and heard the cries of a condemned criminal, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."Â
A man Christ never met and knew was righteously condemned. He looked at him with love and replied, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."