Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Universal Kingship of Jesus Christ. It is a feast we celebrate annually. What is significant about this year is that it also marks the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Year of Mercy, which began on 8 December 2015, was a special time of grace for all Catholics, and people of goodwill to experience and celebrate the mercy of God, the Father. As a sign of the closing of the Jubilee, the closing of the Door of Mercy and other events will be held. What happens after this will depend on each one of us.

Will you be like the 'good' thief? This man, while hanging on the cross, recognises the significance of the person beside him, and seizes the moment to ask Jesus to remember him when Jesus enters paradise. Will you too recognise the true identity of Jesus as your merciful king and surrender your life more fervently to His kingship? Or will you be like the crowd and the 'bad' thief who only sees Jesus as someone to be mocked or taken for granted? The crucifixion of Jesus holds no special significance for them other than just another false messiah being put to death.

Yes, as we celebrate the feast of the Kingship of Jesus, we also come to the conclusion of the Year of Mercy. Will you seize this day as a moment of grace? Or will you allow it to pass you by as just another event or celebration in the Church? The choice is up to you.