Other saints: Saint Cecilia, Martyr (?Third Century); The Eighty-Five Blessed Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales; Bd Salvator Lilli and Companions, Martyrs (1895)
Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 43:13-19
Mass: Ezk 34:11-12, 15-17; Resp Ps 23; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46
Beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul.
HEART OF JESUS, OF INFINITE MAJESTY,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
Welcome to the Last Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, a solemnity instituted by Pope Pius XI (1857-1939) in 1925. Jesus is no ordinary king. Jesus is Our True God and King, the Good Shepherd, who is living among us here and now, to enlighten, strengthen and free us (EG 164). This is the compassionate King, Jesus, who moved around to all the towns and villages, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. Our Lord sees us, His heart is moved with pity because we are troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd (Mt 9:35-36). We are in need of this solemnity in these days as in the days of Pope Pius XI, who "asserted that the most effective defense against the destructive forces of the age is the recognition of the kingship of Christ" (Universalis). These are the times to call upon Jesus, Our True King and Good Shepherd to help us. We must do our part and help proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, the kingdom of God that is among us now (Lk 17:21), in our minds and in our hearts. We must do our part to build the kingdom of God, first and foremost, within us. What do I need to do to further open my heart and mind to the healing, compassionate, merciful, and unconditional love of the Good Shepherd so that I can reach out to those in need, whether near or far? We are meant to care for one another as Jesus cares for us. What we do to others, we do to Jesus, as He tells us in today's Gospel: Whatever you did to one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did to me (Mt 25:40). Let us do our part to defend ourselves, the Church, our nation, and our world against the destructive forces of our age. Whether we like it or not, Jesus will judge us by our choices, as Pope Francis said in his homily today. If we choose hatred and evil we can never be happy. However, "if we choose God, we grow daily in His love, and if we choose to love others, we find true happiness."
Rejoice in the Lord always. Let me say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, brothers and sisters, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Ph 4:4-8)
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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