Feast of Christ the King (Year A)

Feast of Christ the King November 26, 2023

Ez 34, 11-12, 15-17, 1Cor 15, 20-26 Mt. 25:31-46

(image courtesy: Google)

Nelson Mandela was still a young man when he became leader of the banned African National Congress. At a certain stage of the struggle, he was forced to go underground. He used many disguises and in general remained as unkempt as possible, so that he would not be easily recognized. Once he was to attend a meeting in a distant part of Johannesburg. A priest had arranged with friends of his to put him up for the night. However, when Mandela arrived at the house, the elderly woman who answered the doorbell took one look at him and exclaimed, “We don’t want your kind here!” And she shut the door in his face. Later when she found out who it was, she had turned away she was horrified and said to him, “If only I knew it was you, I’d have given you the best room in the house.” Mandela did not let incidents like this deter him.

The Salvation Army does not believe in baptism, in the Eucharist nor in the priesthood. Yet you never hear anybody criticizing them. Why? Because what they do speaks so loudly that no one cares what they believe. They provide soup kitchens for the starving. They clothe the naked on our streets. They rehabilitate those addicted to drug and alcohol. They are there wherever disaster strikes. As far as people are concerned these are the things that count. The Parable of the Last Judgment in today's gospel shows that these are the things that count before God as well. For in the Last Judgement no mention whatsoever is made of people's church beliefs but only of the practical help they gave or did not give to the needy and the disadvantaged of this world.

Today’s Readings revolve around the final judgment of Jesus Christ when He comes in glory and power. In the passage from the prophet Ezekiel, it is God Himself who will come personally to tend his sheep because the entrusted shepherds have not been found worthy of their charge. God will take care of the sick and ailing sheep but will separate and punish those who have made themselves strong at the expense of the weak.  God says, "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed my sheep with justice."  St. Matthew’s Gospel completes this pastoral image with Jesus’ account of future certain events. Each person will be distinguished as a sheep or a goat according to a simple standard of practical attention to those who suffer. The standard of judgment is simple enough; ‘whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did it to me’. What may surprise us is God’s identification with the most insignificant of his brothers: ‘you did it to me.’

In today’s world, the concept of kingship might seem out-dated, even irrelevant. We live in societies where democracy and individual freedoms are celebrated. However, the kingship of Christ challenges our understanding of leadership. In our context today let us understand the concept of leadership. It beckons us to emulate the example of Jesus of humility and selflessness in serving others, regardless of our societal roles.

As we ponder Christ’s kingship (leadership), we confront the paradoxes of power and authority. In surrendering to Christ as our King, we find true freedom—not in dominating others, but in embracing a life of sacrificial love. His kingdom is not one of force but of invitation, where love reigns supreme and mercy knows no bounds.

This feast calls us to examine the allegiances of our hearts. Whom or what do we truly serve? Are we swayed by the powers of materialism, ego, or self-interest? Or do we align ourselves with the values of compassion, justice, and solidarity that Christ’s kingship represents?

Our contemporary world grapples with challenges—social, environmental, and moral—that cry out for a response rooted in the principles of Christ’s kingdom. In the face of division, let us foster unity; in the presence of injustice, let us advocate for fairness and equality; and in the midst of despair, let us be beacons of hope and kindness.

Moreover, the Feast of Christ the King isn’t just a commemoration; it’s an invitation to action. It’s a call to roll up our sleeves and actively participate in building a world where love triumphs over hatred, understanding conquers ignorance, and generosity overcomes selfishness.

Christ’s kingship or his leadership is not confined to a distant realm; it’s a reality that should manifest in our daily lives. It’s seen in the small acts of kindness, the choices that prioritize others’ well-being, and the courage to stand for truth and justice in a world often marred by falsehoods and injustices.

As we celebrate Christ the King today, may we recommit ourselves to making his kingdom a reality here and now. Let us carry forth the values of compassion, humility, and love, knowing that in doing so, we not only honour our King but also transform the world into a better, more compassionate place for all.

Happy Sunday