As we celebrate our patronal feast day of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we encounter a powerful and challenging message from our Lord in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus presents us with a vivid image of the final judgment – the separation of the sheep and the goats. But beyond the apocalyptic imagery lies a profound message about the essence of Christian living.
The scene is set with the Son of Man coming in glory, surrounded by angels, to judge the nations. The criteria for this judgment, however, are not based on wealth, power, or social status. Instead, Christ our King's criteria are rooted in a simple yet transformative concept: love in action. Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, identifies himself with the least of his brothers and sisters. He says, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40).” In these words, we find a profound revelation of the interconnectedness of our love for God and our love for our neighbor. Our faith, as St. James tells us, is dead without works (James 2:17). The Christian life is not merely about professing our beliefs but living them out in practical ways. In this Gospel passage, Jesus calls us to examine the authenticity of our faith through our actions of love and compassion toward others.
The "sheep" in the parable are commended for their acts of kindness: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned. These are concrete expressions of love that demonstrate a genuine faith in action. On the other hand, the "goats" are rebuked for their neglect of these acts of mercy. They failed to recognize the presence of Christ in their neighbors and, consequently, missed the opportunity to express their love for God through their love for others. In the end, they pay a high price for their self-absorption.
As we reflect on this Gospel, we must ask ourselves how are we responding to the needs of those around us? Are we attuned to the cries of the hungry, the lonely, the sick, and the imprisoned? Are we actively seeking to bring God's love and mercy into the lives of those who are most in need?
In the end, it is not the grandiosity of our deeds that matters, but the authenticity of our love. Each small act of kindness, every expression of mercy, contributes to the kingdom of God. In serving others, we are serving Christ himself. In the end, to borrow from St. John of the Cross, we will be judged on love.
A Blessed Feast Day!
As pastor, it is my great joy to wish all of you a blessed and joyous parish feast day. May Christ our King continue to grant us the graces we need to be co-workers with him in establishing his Kingdom. May our parish family continue to be a place of light, peace, and welcome for all people.
Parish Breakfast – Thank You!
Thank you to the ladies of the Altar and Rosary Society for their generosity in continuing the custom of our annual parish breakfast. May the Lord bless you for your kindness and generosity!
Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House