Christ the King Sunday arrives with less pomp and circumstance than ambiguous authority; a compromised crown; the scandal of the crucifixion.

Yet there is a promise to be heard: not only that we, like the thief on the cross whose blessing we borrow, will be with him in paradise; but that Jesus will remain with us even through our pain, even through our panic, even in our most hopeless hour.

May you know the promise of paradise;

even this side of paradise, may you know the presence of Jesus beside you;

may he be your strength, your hope, your way home.