Remember me when you come into your Kingdom

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. In today's Gospel from Luke 23:35-43, as Christ was hanging upon the cross, one of criminals crucified with him made one of the most profound acts of faith and confidence in him, Jesus, he said, remember me when you come into your kingdom and Jesus responded by promising him paradise that very day. How do you react when you hear these familiar words today? Allow your heart to be touched by this remarkable encounter. Jesus the King of the Universe, vulnerable and near death revealing himself as Saviour to all those who cry out to him in faith and in their need.

You may like to listen to a song I wrote for a woman many years ago called, 'Heaven belongs to you.' She shared with me many of the challenges she had faced throughout her life. I conducted her funeral some years later. As Christ offered the good thief, paradise, it was my sense that Christ would offer my friend a place in heaven too.

Blessings on your week