Sunday 23^rd November – Feast of Christ the King

Reflection: Matthew 25:31-46

ON JUDGEMENT DAY!

What will happen on judgement day is really not a surprise to us anymore as today’s gospel reading has revealed it to us as an open secret. The judgement of this day will be a function of the works of charity we consciously render to others, following the divine injunction given to us as we live our everyday lives. Our readiness to love will determine our eternal reward: eternal happiness if we have cheerfully loved others or eternal damnation if we have failed to. Our Lord reminds us today that we have a responsibility to: give food to the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison.

This implies that to gain eternal happiness, we must sincerely and cheerfully love without reservation. This should be no surprise to us as Christ spells out clearly: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). We must ensure that our lives are lived in such a way as to bless the lives of those around us and we must care for everyone around us without discrimination. Let LOVE be your watchword!

Let us therefore examine our lives today: how often have we ignored our neighbours in need? How many times we have selfishly enjoyed the blessings that God has given us without considering the needs of others? Where would you wish to stand on that last day: On the left or right?

PRAYER: Dear Father, please help me to consciously love others in complete charity and may these works of charity be counted in my favour. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 101 – Why did Jesus have to redeem us on the Cross, of all places?

The Cross on which Jesus, although innocent, was cruelly executed is the place of utmost degradation and abandonment. Christ, our Redeemer, chose the Cross so as to bear the guilt of the world and to suffer the pain of the world. So he brought the world back home to God by his perfect love.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25: 40 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46