Solemnity of Christ the King (“A”)
Q. 503: The people condemned in today’s Gospel seem to be very surprised at the way they are condemned at the Last Judgment. Why is this? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
November 23, 2008
A. 503: The usually irreverent Mark Twain once said, “Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand” [source: Barbara Schmidt website of Quotations]. I suspect that it was a segment like today’s Gospel [Matt 25:31-46] that became a “rare” occasion when the Bible had meaning for him. Can we agree that it is very hard to Misunderstand today’s lesson of Jesus about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and other works of mercy? I think that like Mark Twain, we ought to be very concerned about our own behavior, relative to today’s lesson.
The “Goats” in the story, by implication, had done all the “pious” things that they thought would earn them their heavenly reward. They went to Mass every day. They said a daily Rosary. They never forgot to say their daily prayers. And they did their best to avoid contact with sin and sinners. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Well, something very important is missing.
The “Goats” had neglected to do something that the “Sheep” had already done. The “Goats” had acted well in “avoiding” sin and sinners; but they had done nothing in the area of works of mercy. Jesus is crystal clear about our responsibilities as his disciple. We are to actively participate in the mission of Jesus, reaching out to those in need. This is particularly true regarding those we encounter; but it also applies to those we do not encounter. In other words, you can help the poor in other locations by giving to Catholic Charities, or some other worthy charitable group who has access to the “really” poor and needy.
The readings at the end of each Church cycle are all about the End Times. Let them send a warning shiver up your spine, like Mark Twain may have experienced. Don’t get caught being unprepared! You know what is expected of you; do it!
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! The “goats” will not enjoy eternal life in heaven (CCC #1038). Did you ever consider the truth that the term “evil doer” includes the “non-doer” of works of mercy (CCC #1034)?
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
