Readings

Ezekiel 34.11-12,15-17
Psalm 23
1  Corinthians 15.20-26,28
Matthew 25.31-46

We are celebrating today the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We are concluding the liturgical year with this great feast, which reminds us that in the fullness of time God will reign in Jesus, the King who is shepherd. While waiting for it, what are we supposed to do now, brothers and sisters?

Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel: To the hungry and thirsty, give food and drink. Welcome the stranger. The naked and the ill, you will clothe and care for. Visit those in prison. Then he adds: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” The King wants us to be kind shepherds like Him. Look around you, can you offer something that Jesus our Shepherd King would have given to the least of our brothers and sisters? Remember Jesus is in them.

St. Paul calls Christ King because in him we will be given life for ever. Ezekiel tells us that the true King rules as shepherd. The prophet present God as a shepherd king who takes personal care of his flock. Should any become lost or confused, he rescues them. God claims the right to judge the flock over which he exercise such watchful concern. The psalm expresses grateful praise of our good shepherd. We have known God’s affection; we can trust him to bring us home.

Fr. Alex Osei