Matthew 25:31-46 – The Feast of Christ the King
Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. This feast is one of the most solemn feasts of our Church year. This week is the final week of our current Church year. Next Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Advent, we will begin a new Church year.
The Gospel reading for the feast of Christ the King may be a bit different than we anticipate. Given the name of this feast, we might assume that today’s Gospel would focus on Christ’s power, might and glory. Yes, in this Gospel Jesus does say, “when the Son of Man comes in glory He will sit on his throne and judge the nations.” However, Christ’s judgment differs from the way the world judges. Christ’s judgments of the nations will not be determined on the power and might the nations have but the nations will be judged on their care, concern and compassion for the least among them.
This Gospel is fitting as we enter into the final week of our Church year. This feast also reminds us that our time on earth is limited. This reminder may be one we prefer not to hear! However, this feast does give us the opportunity to reflect on our lives. Ask yourself: if you knew that you only had one month or one year to live, what would you do? What emotions do you think you would experience? Who and what would take priority in your life: your family, friends, work, enjoying life? Is God included in this list?
Our daily choices tell us what is most important in our lives. Think about your day: what and whom do you give your time and yourself to: work, play, family and friends, prayer? Seriously, who and what is most important to you at this time in your life? Is God in this picture?
The reality is that life can and does get crazy! At these times it can be easy to lose sight of who is “King” in our lives! This feast of Christ the King is a clear reminder of the One who should be first on our list and first in our lives!
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