Today’s feast celebrates Christ as King of the universe.
But, in the texts of our celebration, God is presented not as a king but as… a SHEPHERD.
This is how he wants to be known.
Both the first reading (Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17), and the gospel text (Matthew 25:31-46), describe him as such.
We see him searching for the lost, rescuing those in darkness,
showing them where to rest, bringing back the stray,
bandaging the wounded and making the weak strong.
watching over all of them…
And it is to a shepherd that Jesus has identified himself as he said:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
In the gospel text, He invites us to have for others the same concern and care that he has for us, his sheep.
In fact, it will be on this very attitude that we will be judged –
not only on what we did but also… on what we did not do!…
We celebrate, not his dominion, but his compassion.
And he expects us to show this compassion to all those we live and meet with…
Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at:https://image-i-nations.com/34e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-christ-roi-2023/