Sunday, Nov. 23, is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Mass readings: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43.

The Gospel presents Jesus as reigning from the cross. Nothing could be more paradoxical.

We like to think of more pleasant images: The Church is the Bride of Christ or the Body of Christ. This Sunday’s image is more humbling, to be sure: The Church is Christ, crucified between two thieves.

Yes, this is the Church, too. In a way, we are all thieves. We are all sinners and have used the gifts and things that belong to God in a way contrary to his will. To misuse things that belong to others is a form of theft.

Consider, also, that the two thieves were very different. In the Church, we have saints and sinners, and in the world, there are those who will turn to Christ and be saved and others who will turn away and be lost.

One thief (the “bad thief”) derides Jesus; this thief “reviles” Jesus, treating him with contempt.

The other thief (the “good thief”) reverences Christ and recognizes his own guilt. He asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” but he leaves the terms of it up to Christ. He places his life under the authority of Christ the King.

Is Christ really your king?

Consider: How do you use your time? Are you committed to praying and attending Mass every Sunday without fail? Do you use enough of your time to serve God and others, or merely for selfish pursuits? Do you use the gift of your speech to witness and evangelize, or merely for small talk and gossip? Do you exhibit proper care for your body? Are you chaste? Do you observe proper safety or are you sometimes reckless? Do you reverence life? Are you faithful to the Lord’s command to support the Church? Do you spend wisely? Are you generous enough to the poor and needy?

It is one thing to call Christ our King, but it is another to be truly under his authority. The Lord is clear enough in telling us that he expects our obedience. The thief who asked Jesus to remember him manifested repentance, faith and a kind of baptism of desire. In so doing, he moved into the victor’s column. Jesus’ words, “Today you shall be with me in paradise,” indicate a dramatic shift in the thief’s fortunes. The good thief claims the victory through his choice for Jesus Christ. Will you have the victory? The bad thief wants relief but will not open the door of his heart so that Jesus can save him. The good thief does open the door of his heart and thereby is saved.