Daily Gospel Reflection
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November 20, 2022
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
“He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
“If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”
Above him there was an inscription that read,
“This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Drive or fly? Button-down or polo? What kind of protein is on your salad? What color for your phone case? Watch it on demand or in theaters? Like or dislike? Upgrade? Work remote or in office? It’s what we want, and, yes, what we think we need.
Much as we might not admit it, many of us our able to rule the minutiae of our modern dominions, being the very lords of our lives. Our control of small decisions makes us think that we control all aspects of life, even the fundamental and substantial aspects of living. Culture today tells us we should always aim for such and casts aspersions if we think differently.
One of the criminals hanging to the side of Christ, subdued and subjected to his horrific punishment, behaves no differently. He says, “Save yourself,” but then he gets to his main point, “and us.” The criminal means to say, “I am here exposed and dying, but I should have it my way, and you must yield to my fiat.” The criminal wills his power over the very Son of God.
Indeed, Christ was in control throughout life, death, and resurrection. He freely chose the cross and to be crowned with thorns for the sake of reparation, for the sake of the resurrection, and to be the example of Christian life. He did it all, not for self-glorification but because of the divine will for the good of all humanity.
Let us choose to be subjects of the King of Kings, that our daily lives be governed not by our will but the will of God the Son. May the words of the righteous and humble criminal be on our lips, who confessed not only to his inadequacy but to the supremacy of Christus Rex.
Prayer
Jesus our Savior and King, you reign from no lavish throne or exclusive palace, but rather showcase your power in humble submission upon the wood of a cross. Yours alone is the glory for all ages, and yours is the name we exalt above every other name. Enfold us into your gentle rule where charity and compassion greet us on the way to your eternal kingdom. Have mercy, we pray. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Edmund Rich had a personal sanctity that faithfully guided his dealings with the most powerful people on earth. He was unafraid to speak the truth, whether to the king of England or the pope, and he was often at odds with both.
St. Edmund was born in 1180 and studied at Oxford and in Paris; he was the first Master of Arts at Oxford. He was known for a faithfulness that matched his diligent study. He taught art and mathematics until he received a vision from his deceased mother, who encouraged him to study theology.
After receiving his doctorate in theology, he was ordained a priest and went on to teach theology and hold significant posts in the university’s administration. He was the first to teach Aristotle at Oxford, and took great interest in his students, especially if they were poor or sick. Today's featured image shows a bronze statue of St. Edmund that stands at Oxford.
Edmund dedicated almost all of his income to the poor or to the Church–he often fell into need himself because of his generosity, and his superiors scolded him for not saving more for his own support.
He was known as an eloquent speaker and effective preacher–miracles and conversions accompanied his speaking. He was also an expert in spirituality and constantly encouraged the faithful to pray. Speaking on how we ought to pray, he said:
“A hundred thousand people are deceived by multiplying prayers. I would rather say five words devoutly with my heart, than 5,000 which my soul does not relish with affection and intelligence.”
He was known for his great self-discipline: under his clothes, he wore a sackcloth pressed close to his skin by metal plates, and he slept only a few hours at night in order to spend time in prayer and meditation. On one occasion, he was observed levitating, rapt in prayer.
In 1233 he was named Archbishop of Canterbury against his wishes. He advised King Henry III and presided at the king’s confirmation of the Magna Carta in 1237. Edmund was at the center of relations between Rome and England, and spoke truth to power on both sides. He admonished the king for having favorites in his court, and traveled to Rome to urge reforms in the Church.
Because he was so truthful and did not vary from what he saw as just and right, many people found him inconvenient. Political movements forced Edmund’s resignation in 1240, and he moved to France and became a monk. He died later that year, and miracles at his grave were reported soon after his burial. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Edmund Rich, you spoke truth to both the king and the pope—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Edmund Rich is in the public domain. Last accessed October 18, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.
