Friends,
On this last Sunday of the Church year, the scripture texts sum up what we have been reading, listening to, and pondering all year. We have watched as Jesus taught, healed, freed, consoled, and reached out to all. From birth to death and in his glorified life, he was the visible presence of the Father’s kingdom of love on earth.
The second reading gives us a picture of Christ’s kingship. St Paul reassures the church at Corinth that, despite the direst of circumstances, all earthly rule and authority will give way to Christ. When God’s enemies, including sin and death, are destroyed, then all will be alive in God. We need such a message in today’s world!
The Psalm tells us that God, Shepherd, and King, has such authority that we can safely feast, even within sight of our enemies. With him, we shall never be in want. The first reading, from the prophet Ezekiel, also contains the theme of a shepherd. Though judge, the shepherd is one who serves. Jesus picks up this theme in the Gospel, but now he is found not only in the one who serves the poor but also in the poor themselves. Let’s pray that Christ the King will live in us and our actions.
Joy and peace.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year A.
