November 26, 2017: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Matthew 25:31-46

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, celebrated on the last Sunday of the Church year, reminds us that Jesus, and he alone, is King for all Christians. This would be a very good time for us to reflect on who or what is really ruling our lives. Is it Jesus? 

Today’s gospel is about the “Last Judgement”, with the Son of Man sitting on his throne as king and judge of all nations. The Son of Man is like a shepherd, separating the sheep from the goats, an image that Matthew’s hearers would have understood, since sheep were more valuable to them. 

The sheep and goats of our story quickly become human beings, as the king declares that those who cared for “the least brothers [and sisters] of mine” will inherit God’s kingdom and those who could not be bothered to care for people in need would have eternal punishment.  What is surprising, even shocking, is that the king fully identifies with the people who are hungry, thirsty, or in need of clothing; who are ill, who are strangers, who are prisoners. The king, of course, is Jesus. Caring for people in need was serving him!  Ignoring those people meant that those being judged had turned their backs on him!   

Who are the least brothers and sisters of Jesus?  At the time Matthew’s gospel was written, they might have been the Christian missionaries who suffered in various ways for their faith. But can we not say today, that when we serve one another, we are always serving Jesus?   

Because we know so much more about what is happening in the world, we might become discouraged that we can do any good for any one. But we must not give up.  God has given all of us gifts. Let us pray for God’s guidance that we can use these gifts and the resources that we have. to help make our world a far better place.