FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
November 21/22, 2014

Throughout the centuries there have been innumerable dictators who have risen to power: From the early days in the Old Testament, to the Roman Empire, to people like Adolph Hitler and the many dictators who exist today throughout the world.

By definition a dictator is someone who has almost absolute power but uses that power not for their people but to further their own ambitions, often using and abusing that power for evil and destructive purposes.

Today we come together to celebrate a feast which is just the opposite of that, the Feast of Christ the King. While Jesus was never a dictator, He did have absolute power…more power than any other human being. But He chose to use that power to help His people and not to further His own agenda.

Today’s first reading focuses on that image of the shepherd who constantly watches over and helps His sheep….an image that is often applied to Jesus in the scriptures and one that translates easily into the purpose of Jesus life. Jesus had the power to save His people from sin and death and provide salvation.

AS human beings we too have power. We have the ability to create turmoil or to a shepherd to those we come in contact with each day. And in our gospel reading Jesus shows us how to be shepherds and that at the end of time, our shepherding of one another is how we will be judged.

Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, giving shelter to the homeless, comforting the sorrowful, the ill, and those in prison. When we do that to the least among us, Jesus says we do that to him
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Looking at the life of Jesus, we see that He never wielded His immense power in a destructive way but always reached out to the less fortunate and brought them forgiveness, comfort, and His undying love.

If we follow Jesus’ lead then we too will be the same kind of king – shepherding God’s people to pastures of repose.