HOMILY FOR THE THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A. SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING.
HOMILY THEME: THE CARING AND LOVING KING OF KINGS
BY: Rev Fr Joseph Nyarko Asare
HOMILY:
Ezk 34:11-12, 15-17
Ps 23
1Cor 15:20-26, 28
Mt 25:31-46
For once, I picked the dictionary to check the word “King”, a word freely used and taken for granted. The result of my check was the following, “The male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth. Synonyms of the word include, ruler, sovereign, monarch, supreme ruler, crowned head, majesty, crown, head of state, royal personage, emperor, prince, potentate, overlord, liege lord, and chief.
The world, in the eyes of God, is a single entity, a community, a simple town. The founder is God and he reigns as the only authority there is. Although he permits others to share in his leadership powers, no power can compete, compare or oppose the Supreme will of God. Jesus is God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity. After his death and resurrection, it has been revealed to us that all authority in heaven and earth are under his direct control and supervision.
The leadership model of Jesus is that of the shepherd. He is patient, very caring, tolerant, detailed, and cautious leader. He manages the weaknesses of the poor one without forgetting to care for the strong. His serves his subjects and ensures their absolute welfare. He needs nothing from the sheep and so never taxes them. It is worth mentioning that his territory extends to all places and all ages.
Jesus is king of both believers and non-believers, whether dead or alive. One does not need to admit the Kingship of Jesus in order to become a subject of that Kingdom. It should, however, be noted that those who opposes his Kingdom will have to answer for it one day. He tells us in the first reading that he will separate sheep from goat and distinguish one sheep from the other.
As expected, subjects of Christ’s kingdom must be law abiding to ensure order and peaceful co- existence. Beyond that, Jesus expects us to live a life of mutual support and solidarity. He expects us to care for one another and love one another. As part of our accountability to him at the end of time, the King will expect feedback from how we dealt with each other in moments of need. He mentions examples, including moments of hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness, imprisonment, sickness, and death. Positive responses to these needs will be rewarded and neglect will be punished. We don’t have an absolute option but to admit and serve in the Kingdom of Jesus today and always. Blessed Feast.
PRAYER POINTS
~A thanksgiving to God for his loving care for us
~That we will dwell secure in his Kingdom, free from fear and conscious of his care
~For the heart to love sincerely and practically
(Rev Fr Joseph Nyarko Asare of the Catholic Diocese of Obuasi)
