The Reign of Christ Sunday (Year C)

A Kingdom That Looks Like a Cross

Luke 23:33-43 – "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Rev. Bobby Musengwa

Transitional General Presbyter

In his influential 1982 book, “The Scapegoat,” the late Prof. René Girard argues that human culture is founded on a scapegoat mechanism, where collective violence is projected onto a single victim to restore social order.

Such is the case with Jesus on the cross. The collective anger and visceral hatred hurled toward him and the two thieves hanging on the cross must have been cathartic to the crowd.

Similar sentiments happen in modern societies scapegoating immigrants for all the ills of society. This is contrary to the ethic of hospitality called upon in Scriptures. 

Yet, that night, the thief saw what others missed: a king on a cross.

Christ's reign doesn't look like earthly power. It looks like mercy extended to the forgotten. Like forgiveness spoken in agony. Like life promised to the dying.

As we close Year C and prepare for Advent, we remember: the Church exists to reveal this upside-down kingdom. Where the last are first. Where service is sovereignty. Where death becomes doorway.

At Mission Presbytery, our nimbleness and curiosity, as well as our adherence to the ethic of hospitality and welcome, must always be shaped by the cross. We adapt not for survival, but for witness - to show the world what the Reign of Christ looks like.

Let us open wide our doors and our hearts to those who, like Christ, are vulnerable and marginalized. In doing so, we may actually welcome Christ himself in our midst right here in Texas.

Reflect: How does your congregation embody Christ's kingdom of mercy and welcome?

Prayer: Christ our King, teach us to reign through love, to lead through service, and to follow you even to the cross. Amen.