Christ the King’s pardon is for us. We begin our worship acknowledging our sin and hearing the news that God has forgiven us. The Ruler’s welcome is ours as well. We come to the table, received by Christ himself. Today we join him, the thief on the cross, and all the saints in a foretaste of the paradise to come. The Spirit sends us into the week ahead renewed in the knowledge that we are citizens of the reign of God and that our true Ruler is the one who welcomes and pardons: the crucified and risen Christ.

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:33-43, Colossians 1:11-20, Psalm 46

NPR’s “All Things Considered” reference:

WPBS TV, Fred Rogers 50th anniversary introduction <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTevoLkcFdI>