REFLECTION

Please find below the link for the October 2022 edition of “Our Diocesan Community” to be included in your next school newsletter, facebook page and/or website https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ODC-October-2022-web.pdf. 

GOSPEL 

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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."                          Luke 23: 35-43

REFLECTION

"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."

Question: What kind of king dies on a cross between two criminals even though one has gone down in history as the “good thief?”

Answer: A king who suffers and accompanies his subjects when they are in agony. A king whose example teaches his subjects to do the same for others.

A sad fact of getting older is that you know more people who suffer from diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s that kill by inches. It’s hard to know how to relate to people undergoing such prolonged suffering, especially when your relationship has been based on witty conversation or activities.

Today’s gospel teaches us that Jesus wants us to stay connected with suffering people no matter what their mental or physical condition. We don’t have to minister to abandoned dying people like the Missionaries of Charity, just find time for the people in our lives who are confined to their homes or nursing homes.

We can try to alleviate their loneliness for even a few minutes even if they don’t remember it for more than that.

Because I have made mistakes with some old friends, I usually find 45 minutes a week to visit the husband of one of my closest late friends. I nod when he meanders and talks about people I don’t know because I know how much he looks forward to my visits. He loves talking to someone who adored his wife and can reassure him that she loved him too.

I know my friend in heaven is smiling when I head into her house where we had such good times.

If our dying King could accompany a thief to the end, we can accompany the people we know who need us.

Julie Leonard

Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader