Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Posted on by Cassie

Todays liturgy focuses on two points.  The first is proclaiming Christ as King, and the second is our efforts to extend His kingdom on earth.

The biblical image used by Ezekiel is the Good Shepherd.  The prophet pictures for us what the Good Shepherd does for his sheep.  In the New Testament, Matthew presents what our Good Shepherd expects from us.

Ezekiel says that when we stray from the fold and get lost, he seeks us out and brings us back to the fold.  If we get sick or injured, he heals us or binds up our wounds.

Truly there is nothing lacking in the love God has lavished upon us.  That is why as we end our Ordinary time, we celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday to praise and thank God for His love toward us.

On the other hand, the gospel parable outlines what the Good Shepherd expects from us.  If we want to enter His Kingdom, we have to give food to the hungry and drink to the thirsty.

If we want to hear His words of welcome, then we have to welcome the stranger and clothe the naked.  If we want to be consoled by the Lord, we need to comfort the sick and visit the imprisoned.

So, if we want to honor Christ the King, we need to extend His Kingdom on earth, and then enter His kingdom in heaven.  We need to: do something for the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters, so that we will be doing it for Him.

Happy Thanksgiving

Msgr. Powell

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Cassie

Todays parable takes up faithfulness.  Different servants are given different amounts of money.  A talent was a weight of gold or silver equal to perhaps 20 years wages.  It did not matter how he used it.  Those who used their talents well were praised by their master, who was overjoyed by their diligence during his absence.  The  servant who buried his talent was condemned as “wicked”, in the sense of being “Lazy and Useless”.  The point is that we are to make full use of our talents (our resources and abilities) as we await the coming of Christ.  That is what it means to be His faithful servants.  Inaction counts as wickedness, and as not expecting Jesus to return.

Placing the parable within the larger context of the Gospel dispels a great deal of its harshness.  The poor servant who received only one talent might be seen as a “little one” in Matthew’s community.  As such those who had more gifts within the Church would be expected to assist him and show him special care.  Nevertheless, even a “little one” is called to use what has been given.  If he chooses to bury his gift, he will have to answer to the Master.

God Bless

Msgr. Powell