This transfer gives us a new position in which we now work among new associates. The co-workers that we work with are “the holy ones in light”. Now as we take up our new position in the Kingdom of Jesus we are called to be one of these holy ones. We are part of a team that now is entrusted with bringing the light of Christ into a world of darkness. We have new responsibilities to live as children of the light and to serve the cause of salvation. Our new “boss” is Jesus Christ the King. He is the “light of the world” and we are called to bring that light to all people. The new Kingdom that we are a part of does not operate on the same principles as the old kingdom of darkness. We do not seek power through placing ourselves above others and seeking to make ourselves more important rather our model is one of service and sacrifice. Jesus Christ our King has established his Kingdom through laying down his life and offering his life as a sacrifice for others. Those who are fit to live in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the King are those who are willing to humble themselves, live their lives in service and offer themselves as a sacrifice of love.
In the gospel we see the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the King. This kingdom is established on the cross of suffering. Jesus does not “save himself” but rather he gives his life as a gift, an offering of salvation for others. The power that he demonstrates for us is the power of love, a love that is faithful to the end. Those who are in darkness cannot recognize the power of Jesus that shines through his sacrifice on the cross. They mock Jesus and shower insults upon him. However, like the penitent thief, there are those who recognize the power of the cross and seek to be a part of the new Kingdom of grace. All those who ask for forgiveness, who acknowledge their faults before the Lord and seek new life in Jesus are delivered from the power of darkness and are transferred into the Kingdom of light, grace and mercy.
We have been transferred to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the King and now we must live as one of the holy ones in light. Our work is for justice and peace through the sacrifice of love. Today we rejoice in this new life that is ours in Jesus Christ our shepherd King.