FROM THE PULPIT SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
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FROM THE PULPIT SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSEOn this celebration of Christ the King, the Gospel passage and the prophecy of Ezekiel present us a double scenario; one of the glorious and eschatological return of Jesus Christ as King and sole shepherd of his people, and the other of Christ Jesus as Judge whose judgment will be based on human acts of companion towards Himself identified with the suffering people.
SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6; 1Cor 15: 20-26, 28; Matthew 25: 31-46.
Reflections: Return and Judgment.
Fr. Benoit Mukamba, CSSp
During the past Sundays, the Word of God has been reminding us of the importance of the divine gifts of faith, hope and love. A true disciple of Jesus is one animated by these spiritual gifts. The glorious return of King Jesus is joyfully awaited by those living according to the Spirit of Jesus. The Reign of God in each one of us takes roots slowly but firmly, like in the parable of the mustard seed, and gives abundant fruits or profits like the parable of talents. The King of God is all embracing without consideration of difference in ritual worships. Apparently, the only measuring stick is the bond of love and concern that reaches deep into the human heart. The judgment is based on whether we meet the very basic human needs of fellow human beings.
There is a need to note the difference existing between humanitarian acts of kindness and the evangelical responses to human sufferings or deprivation. The disciple does good deeds to others because enabled by faith in the Risen Lord, he or she sees Christ in the needy person. The disciple sees Jesus in his disfigured form like in the hours of the condemned, cross-carrying and crucified Jesus on Calvary. The disciple perceives his fear and shame, his brokenness and sense of loss, his indignity and undeserving respect. Those capable of discovering Jesus and serving him under such conditions will obtain the everlasting reward of life, joy and peace. Like “the centurion, who stood facing Jesus, saw how he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”(Mark 15: 39).
The humanitarian acts promote human welfare and ideas of people; they bring about change in the normal behavioral patterns of a society and help to aid by giving money or necessities for those in need. Humanitarian acts are based on being ethical and promoting a sustainable and peaceful society. A humanitarian action begins from man and ends in man and his environment. Its motive is human welfare. A humanitarian act makes a member of the city look respectable. The same act promotes the human dignity of the helped member.
Therefore, it is necessary for the disciples of Jesus to be motivated by faith, hope and love in God, in order to merit the King of God.
