The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”

Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.”

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?

And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

At first glance, the scene on Mount Calvary has nothing to do with the kingship of Christ. How can someone be called king when he is left alone helpless with no defenders to protect him against invectives and violence?

Can a man be king when he allows himself to be shamed in public, his rights denied? We can only sympathize with him for being falsely accused, leading to his mistrial. We know those who manipulated the people and pressured Pilate to silence Jesus forever. But if we go beyond appearances, something is being communicated to us.

Kingship is service. It is denying oneself of self-preservation or attempts to stay in power by hook or by crook.

Jesus teaches us that enduring hardships, suffering, and pain until death, without fighting back, or complaining, or uttering bad words, is service. It serves to fulfill God’s plan for our salvation.

In the First Reading, the Israelites anoint David as their king. The tribes of Israel voluntarily accept his rule, being “their bone and their flesh,” alluding to Adam’s words when he saw Eve.

David did not coerce them after Saul died in battle.

The people recognize their close ties with David. His kingship is that of shepherding the whole nation and commanding the army.

If he is faithful to his duties, the Israelites will live in abundance and peace. In the Second Reading, Paul reflects on the preeminence of Christ.

Christ has been predestined to rule the universe, not just in a small place like Israel. All other powers exist because of him. As King, Christ has his mission: to reconcile all things by shedding his precious blood.