THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Ezekiel 14:11-12.15-17;
I Corinthians 15:20-26.28; Matthew 25:31-46)
The
elections are over. The United States has chosen its president. The people will
have José Biden as their head of government for the next four years. President
Biden will not reign over the people with absolute authority. His power will be
limited by the constitution of the republic and its laws. He is not a king.
Now we
celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. By naming Christ our king we are
submitting to his absolute authority in all things. We are saying to him:
"We will do whatever you ask because we are your subjects." We are
confident that he will not exploit his power because he has proven himself as a
shepherd king as in the first reading. He will supply all of our needs and heal
our wounds.
Jesus, our
King, has expressed his will for us in the Gospels of the last two Sundays. Two
weeks ago he taught us how to be proactive as we await his return. We are to shine
our lamps before people with good works. Then last Sunday he warned us not to shirk
from employing our talents. We are to use our time, treasure, and abilities for
the sake of his kingdom.
In the
Gospel today Jesus has words of comfort for us, his missionary disciples. He
addresses the nations; that is, those peoples that still do not accept him as
their king. He tells them that they will be judged worthy of his kingdom as
long as they help us, his brothers and sisters. If they give with a glass of
water when we are thirsty or visit us when we are imprisoned for proclaiming
Christ, they will be accepted into his kingdom. There are many stories of
non-Christians helping Christians. Fifty years ago it was common to hear how Jews
would do the work of Christians at Christmas so that they could attend Mass or
enjoy Christmas dinner with their families. Today there are stories of Muslims
saving the lives of Christians from extremists. Last year, a Muslim driver is
reported to have saved the lives of a group of Christians. He had them in his
car when a gang of armed extremists signaled him to stop. The driver quickly
passed them causing them to shoot at his car.
Fortunately all escaped safely.
We help
non-Christians, and they help us. So what is the difference between us and
them? It has to do with the type of help that is given. Our help should not be
limited to the corporal works. Rather, they should include spiritual works as
much as possible. Besides visiting the sick and feeding the hungry, we must
instruct those who do not know how to respect others and forgive injuries. A
French bishop in Algeria built libraries and educational centers for the
disabled. These institutions were used mostly by Muslims. Eventually the
prelate, Bishop Pierre Claverié, was assassinated by the extremists. However,
he left a legacy of love and respect among Muslims. At his funeral the Muslims
called him their bishop.
This is the
last time we are going to listen to regular readings from the Gospel according
to Matthew for a long while. Hopefully this past year's readings have left us
with a better sense of what a missionary disciple is. It is learning from Jesus
to be innocent as doves and merciful as mothers of families. It is to befriend others
and to share with them the kingdom. It is having Jesus as a brother and not
worrying about how we will endure. For he is with us as certain as a shepherd takes
his sheep to pasture. Jesus is with us until the end of time.
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