A do-over

On a cross, out of chances, nothing to lose, maybe something to gain, he puts out his request, “Remember me, Jesus.” Did he imagine the grace-filled response of Jesus? Today you will be with me. Not tomorrow, after you do some reparation, not in a year when you’ve done penance. Today-forgiveness, love and mercy. A second chance.

Have you ever wanted a do-over for something you said or didn’t say, did or didn’t do? A second chance to take back words spoken hastily in anger? Something taken that belonged to another? A job not taken?

Christ the King, born in a stable, riding on a donkey, hanging from a cross offers each of us a second, third and twentieth do-over. He’s not like other kings or queens. There’s no “Off with their heads!” Rather Jesus says, “Pick yourself up and try again to live life as I’ve shown you, with love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. And when you fall down, as you will no doubt, get up and try again.” We do not need to live with regret or fear of failure. Christ the King offers us many second chances to live.

For every second chance, thank you! Help me to live with courage, confident in your love. Amen. — LG