We have come to the end of another Church Year. We crown Christ our King and, with the repentant thief, ask Him to remember us in the kingdom. Even on the cross, in a state of naked, bloody flesh, Jesus was recognized as a king not just by the good thief but also by a centurion.
But do we recognize Jesus today? Do we see Him in the faces of people who cross our path? Or do we ignore Him? Do we truly live knowing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and King? One of my favorite saints is John Chrysostom, often called “golden-mouthed” or “golden-tongued” because of his preaching. He was very clear and direct, which often put him at odds with other religious and civic leaders. He was persecuted but prevailed.
One of his quotes that I reflect upon often is this: “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”
Are we able to see Christ in the face of everyone we meet? Are we able to acknowledge Him as King of our lives?
This week, recommit yourself to Christ our King and strive to be an even better Christian this next year than you were last.
