Reflection for Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King:
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17: When we honor Jesus as our King, we also recognize Him as a loving shepherd. In this passage, Ezekiel employs the metaphor of God, as a tender, attentive and protective shepherd Who tends to the scattered and vulnerable flock (Israel), with strength and discipline, or healing tenderness and nurturing, as called for by the apparent needs of the individual sheep. Contemplate our God as an ever-present, watchful father; responding tenderly and effectively to very diverse needs of the individual sheep. In this passage, our Good Shepherd and King (God), acts as redeemer, Savior and healer, as well as Judge, when correction and discipline are needed.
Psalm 23: “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” We continue our reflection on our God, in the dual roles of Shepherd and King, with this iconic psalm. We just reflected on God’s fulfilling all of our needs, an echo of that very accurate appreciation for God’s all-encompassing care over us and for us.
Ponder the aspects of God’s care for us in these verses: Firstly, God creates and dispenses the “verdant pastures” (or any blessed conditions or pleasures that we enjoy). Secondly, God supplies our life-dependent needs, such as water and protection for our guidance and safety. Thirdly, we see our saving God, as benevolent Judge, rewarding us by serving us “at a banquet, in the sight of our foes.” Our God promises to vindicate us from those who have treated us with unkindness or harmed us! Fear not! Our Savior God, Good Shepherd and King is on His throne!
1 Cor 15:20-26, 28: Today’s passage from St. Paul celebrates Jesus, our Shepherd, Savior and King as the “firstfruits” of the resurrected dead. The word, “firstfruits” refers to the liturgical offerings as a tribute to and sacrifice to God, as established by God from the time of man’s creation. Now, as Jesus is indicated as the “firstfruits of resurrection,” Paul alludes that we, who have, as Jesus’ followers, “died with Him,” will also be resurrected with Him, as “further fruits” of Jesus’ Resurrection; due to Jesus’ Sacrifice of Himself, for our Salvation!
As this passage continues, Paul proclaims Jesus as God and King of the Universe, and as Judge over all people and all nations. Today’s feast is an opportunity to reflect on God’s awesome power, dignity, and most importantly, God’s love and mercy!
Matt 25:31-46: Now, from Jesus, we are being given a vision of Judgment Day, with Jesus as Divine Judge, King and all-powerful Shepherd. Jesus will separate the “sheep,” (His followers), from the “goats,” (those who reject the Christian message of salvation). As Jesus talks, we’re helped to further distinguish the “sheep” from the “goats.” The sheep are those who have lived charitable and loving lives; serving the poor, the homeless, the sick or anyone vulnerable in any way. Conversely, the goats are people who serve only themselves out of greed, self-indulgence and pride. The goats are indifferent to the needs of the poor and they don’t care about those suffering around them. With such a prideful, dismissive attitude, they offend not only the poor and suffering around them, but God, Himself!
On this solemn feast day, let’s self-reflect upon how faithful we’ve been to loving and serving God, in God’s people.