Believe it or not, I do have a King

Believe it or not, I do have a King (capital "K"). I know, I know, hindi halata, di ba? That's because I'm more of a prodigal son. In every mass, I come sincerely pleading, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. I broke someone's argument and pride to smithereens again in FB. I'm no longer worthy to be called a Christian."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNBuo2NjqKX/

Sometimes, I don't know what my sins are. I just feel guilty for some reason. That's perhaps because the past week I have debated with not a few people in Facebook about political matters. I don't know if we commit a sin by tackling political issues. It just isn't a topic that nice people discuss . . . and I'm not a nice person. Ginusto ko na nang ilang beses na bumait. Di ko magawa. Tanggap ko na po yan.

Two weeks ago, I blocked someone for hitting me below the belt, ugh! As I said, no, I'm not your typical do gooder nice di-makabasag-pinggan Catholic. If I must compare myself to an apostle, I'd most likely gravitate towards hot headed Peter who drew a sword to cut someone's ear. (Of course, when push comes to shove, gosh, perhaps I can be a coward too. Lord, have mercy.)

Perhaps worst of all, I am upholding a political position that appear to be diametrically opposed to that of the a few vocal Bishops and priests. Ahhhh ... the can be why I feel like out of place in masses sometimes (not all). Some friends tell me, "You share the gospel in social media, and then you say this?"

That is why I need redemption, very badly. That is why I need ... the King. I feel that need much more now than before when I used to think I already knew everything. How convenient it is to read a rule book (like the Pharisees did) and all we do all day is see if we follow rules or not. Black and white lang. No gray area.

That's not the case. The truth is, we have a King!

Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. It feels good to have a King, most especially when you know that the King is also ...

• The Way ... at a time when a lot of us are lost, not knowing which way to follow in the world we live in
• The Truth ... especially with the array of false doctrines coming out these days, false ministers and false websites
• The Life ... smack in the middle of our debates about whose life is more imporant: the criminal's or the victim's? the child's or the mother's?

Speaking of criminals, two of them figured well in the gospel today. One challenged Jesus's kingship to save his own skin. The other acknowledged Jesus's kingship, accepted his fate and pleaded for him to be part of Christ's Kingdom.

I don't know with you, but I find that episode very romantic. Pinapatay sya dahil kriminal sya, pero ang swerte nya't kasabay nya ang Panginoon at isasama sya sa langit! How I wish I get to heaven if only to shake hands with this guy and say, "Well done! Well done!" (As to the other criminal, frankly I don't know what to say about him, except, "Don't follow this guy's example").

When Jesus was dying on the cross, he accepted his fate with complete submission, not just to the will of God, but also to the false accusation of the Pharisees and the wimpy judgment of Pontius Pilate. In his last words, never ever did he utter words to despise them ... rather forgiveness. Then most of all, he had words for this one criminal who acknowledged him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Criminals on the run, you may escape judgment of human kings (for now), but you'd never escape judgment of the eternal King. If you can't make peace with human kings, at least make peace with the eternal King before your last breath. For your own sake, please do. I'll be praying for you.

May we all go to heaven because we acknowledge Jesus as our King..