Luke 23: 5-43
And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at Jesus, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Align with Jesus
“The Call of the King” is a pivotal prayer experience for many who have made the Spiritual Exercises. It’s a moment in which Christ makes it abundantly clear that he wants to be a part of our lives, and he wants us to be a part of his. He invites us to participate in his ministry, to bring our gifts, talents, and selves along with us in the service of the people in his kingdom.
That service has manifested in unique ways throughout the centuries: parents have honored the King of the Universe by caring tirelessly for their children; individuals have shared God’s compassion and care through their daily work; others have allowed their dying breath to preach the name of Jesus while shouting out, “¡Viva Cristo Rey!”
The same invitation is extended to us today: to align ourselves with Jesus and to follow where he leads, always pointing others to him along the way.
—Joe Ertle, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province currently studying philosophy at the ITESO, a Jesuit university in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Prayer
Jesus, poor and humble King of the Universe, you've taught us that all joy and hope come not from our power or our status, but from our God. Help us to notice God's presence today so that we might unite ourselves to your mission, sharing your goodness with all we meet. Amen
—Joe Ertle, SJ
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.