Solemnity of Christ the King [34th Ordinary “A”]
(Cycle “A" – November 20, 2005)

Q. 346:   Sheep and goats and kings and naked people… is there somehow a connection in these readings with the theme of “Christ the King”?

A. 346:
  One word jumps out at us from today’s readings, an implied word based on the context of each reading.   That word is judgment.  Ezekiel had reminded the people of their long history of sinfulness and infidelity to God’s covenant; now there was no more ‘wiggle room’ – it was now time for judgment.  The leadership and stewardship, as well as the acquiescence of the people in violating God’s law, was a matter of record.   Now it was too late to change: judgment was upon them.

In the pastoral or agricultural society of ancient Israel, the word “Shepherd” had very special significance regarding the King and his relationship to the people.   The main role of a king in that culture was to shepherd and safeguard the people.   But because of the bad leadership (both throne and temple), God himself would have to take over the task of shepherding the people.   Chapter 34 of Ezekiel is all about the abundant life that awaits the faithful from this shepherd.   And we all know that this promise [Ezek 34:11-17] and prophecy of abundant life was fulfilled only in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

St. Paul’s message to the Corinthians [1 Cor 15:20-28] speaks about Christ, the King of Kings who will turn over his kingdom to the Father on judgment day.   And of course, the Gospel [Matt 25:31-46] is very forthright about the way the true Shepherd, the Son of Man, will himself separate the faithful ones from those unfaithful to God’s ways of justice and mercy on that inevitable day of judgment.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM!   What is your own relationship to the “naked people,” the hungry, the immigrant, the prisoner?   We cannot have eternal life unless we freely choose to love God and neighbor (CCC #1033).  With our “daily bread” goes the responsibility of stewardship (CCC #2831).  We, the People of God are a “sheepfold” and must respond to the true Shepherd (CCC #754), the One who gave His life for His sheep.

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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