Christ The King

When I met with the young people of that parish, they asked me to use this blog as a way to share ideas about the readings at Mass.  Many of them said they did not understand what the readings were about.  My homily is supposed to explain the readings.  Sorry if I have not done that well enough.  I offer now a few thoughts about the Feast of Christ the King coming up on November 20.

First reading – Ezekiel 34.  Ezekiel criticizes constantly the leadership of the Israelite people.  In Ezekiel’s estimation they have been bad shepherds for their people Israel.  The “I” in the reading is God saying that He will gather everyone together, will bind their wounds and take care of them. 

Prayer questions:  Have you ever felt really cared for by God?  When?  What was that like?  OR have you ever felt forgotten by God?  Or felt God doesn’t care for you?  Jesus felt that way once so it is ok to feel that way.

Second reading – 1 Cor 15.  Paul is talking to the people in Corinth who question the resurrection from the dead.  They believed in Jesus’ resurrection but could not understand their own resurrection.   Christ is referred to as the “firstfruits” of the harvest.  That word refers to the first part of the harvest which is dedicated to God.  When the farmers harvested the crop, the first part was donated to the poor or to the synagogue as a sign that all good gifts come from God and return to him.  This reading says that Jesus rises first (firstfruits) then we rise after Him whenever our time may come.  All belongs to God, including us and the power of death does not change that.

Prayer questions:  Do we give part of our “harvest” to God?  What can I give to God to show my appreciation for all I have?  What do I think about the resurrection of the dead?  What will that be like?

Gospel – Matthew 25.   This Gospel passage comes after two parables that tell us to be prepared for Jesus’ coming.  This passage tells us that we will be judged by the actions we have done for those less fortunate than ourselves – the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, etc.  This passage calls us to be people for others. 

Prayer questions:  What can I do to fulfill this passage in my own life?  When I see the stranger (someone different from me) what do I do?  How do I treat that person?  What have you done when you have seen the hungry, thirsty, the naked, the stranger, the prisoner?  This week, perhaps seek out one person who fits that category and strike up a conversation.  I can imagine that there is at least one person who fits that category in your school or work.

I invite your comments.