TOPIC: CHRIST IS
OUR KING
34C Sunday
Homily, Feast of Christ the King, Luke 23:35-43, November 23, 2025
By Fr. Vincent Corbelli,
MM
1) STORY
Father Miguel
Pro, a Mexican priest who studied in Europe, had not been back to his native
country for eleven years. At that time,
the Mexican government was persecuting the Church and practicing religion was
against the law. He returned to Mexico
to help the Catholics despite the great dangers this presented. He worked for 18 months saying Mass, hearing
confessions, and giving retreats. He
always dressed differently to avoid being caught. On the night of November 18, 1927, he was
caught by the police and accused of a crime which he did not commit. Nine days later, without a trial, he was
condemned and shot to death in Mexico City. With his arms outstretched and just before
dying, he shouted his last words, “Long live Christ the King.” The State rejected Jesus. Fr. Pro, now Blessed Pro, accepted Jesus.
2) GOSPEL, Luke
23:35-43
A) CHRIST WAS
REJECTED
The rulers, the
soldiers, and one of the two criminals made fun of Jesus and rejected him. They said that if he were truly the King of
the Jews, he would be able to save himself.
B) ONE ACCEPTED
JESUS
One of the
criminals said that Jesus had done nothing criminal. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come
into your kingdom.” Jesus replied,
“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
3) APPLICATION TO
LIFE
A) REJECT JESUS
ONE REJECTS Jesus
by sinning, by disobeying the basic command of Jesus to love God, to love our
neighbor, and to love ourselves. This is
done by not praying, by being uncharitable to others, and by neglecting one’s
health.
B) ACCEPT JESUS
We accept Jesus
by obeying him and following his good example in our lives. Christ loves us, cares for us, guides us, and
forgives us. We must be faithful, loyal,
obedient, and hard-working disciples.
4) CONCLUSION
Blessed Fr. Pro
gave up his life to help others. He
accepted Jesus as his king while the State rejected Jesus by persecuting the
Church. While dying on the cross, Jesus
was rejected by some and accepted by one. We reject Jesus by our sins and accept Jesus
by living as he did by loving God, his neighbor and himself.
