Feast of
Christ the King
Cycle A
November 23, 2014 9:30
and 11:00am
Saint Margaret Parish, Bel Air
The Big Question
This
morning, let’s think about a big question.
What
determines our final destiny as persons?
What do we have to do to experience a fullness of life that is lasting?
What do
we have to do to reach an inner peace that will never be taken away? What do we have to do to get to heaven?
All of
these are really the same question. I am
guessing that each of us thinks about these questions from time to time.
The Surprising Answer
The
answer Jesus gives in today’s gospel parable here may be very surprising.
And, by
the way, in all four gospels, this is the only description – the only
description – of what the Last Judgment will be like. So, I think it is worth our attention.
Jesus
says that those of us who are a blessing to others will inherit the
kingdom. The kingdom is Jesus’
expression for lasting happiness and peace, for eternal life, for heaven.
Those
of us who care for the least in our world, we will enter the kingdom. Many of us have been steeped in catechism and
doctrine and religious practice and we might expect some other answer.
That’s
why I say Jesus’ answer may be surprising.
And in a way, it is even more surprising because the sheep in the
parable, like the goats, admit that they do not see Jesus in these least
persons.
They
just do what they can to care for them and Jesus says this is what leads them
into the kingdom. Let’s look at some
examples of what this might be like for us.
The Answer: Personal
In our
personal lives, maybe you have a parent or spouse who is suffering with
dementia or Alzheimer’s. Step by step,
he or she is diminishing right before your eyes.
This is
very painful to see happen in our loved ones.
But, you make sure you give time to them.
You
want them to feel that you are there and that they are not alone. “I was
ill and you cared for me.”
Or
maybe you have a son or daughter in high school or college who is
floundering. They are neglecting their
studies and hanging out with the wrong crowd and probably trying drugs and
alcohol.
You
know that they are hungering for something – acceptance, belonging, purpose – something
to help make sense of their lives. You
lay down some boundaries, but above all you are there for them.
You
listen to the feelings that are underneath their words and the lack of words and
you try to provide emotional and spiritual nourishment. “I was hungry
and you gave me food.”
The Answer: Societal
Then, on a societal level, maybe we see a man standing at a
traffic intersection. He looks unshowered,
he is wearing raggedy clothes, and he’s holding a cardboard sign that says: “Homeless.
Out of work. Need job or money.”
We don’t know what is true or how any money we give him
will be used. But still, we reflect on
how this man might have gotten to this point and how humiliating this must be
for him.
We may or may not offer him some money, but we do pray for
him and for the Lord’s guidance in assisting more than 200 others like him here
in Harford County. “I was naked and you clothed me.”
And then there are many complicated issues before our
country and our world. And we look at
these in a time that feels very challenging.
We can be tempted to form opinions only from the viewpoint
of our own wellbeing, of what’s best for me.
But instead, we try to take a broader perspective and think about the
common good of society and humanity in general.
We definitely take into account those who lack the basics
here at home and those struggling for survival in other places. “Whatever
you do for these least of mine, that you do for me.”
Conclusion
So, Jesus deals with a big question today and his answer
may be surprising.
It is whoever cares for the least, even if we don’t see Jesus
in them, we will enter the kingdom of God.
That’s the message of the only Last Judgment scene in all of the
gospels.
