Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe: liturgical readings and reflections

As Christians, we prepare ourselves daily for our Day of Judgment through our faith in Christ. The first prophets of the Bible like Ezekiel warned of the impending Day of Judgment, a time when people would be “scattered on a day of clouds and darkness,” (Ezekiel 34:12). It is up to you, each of you, to cultivate the right attitude and belief so that if our day or reckoning were to happen right here and now, or tomorrow, that you would be prepared. You want to be ready at all times to enter God’s kingdom.

Ezekiel the prophet gave us an important clue to how to prepare ourselves for the Day of Judgment, by referring to the difference between the sheep and the goats, or the sheep and the rams. Sheep are the gentle, the meek, the humble who shall inherit the earth. The goats or the rams are different. On Judgment Day, God has promised to tend to His sheep. As Ezekiel says, “I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness,” (Ezekiel 34:12). Christ echoed the words of prophet Ezekiel, understanding that God divides all people into two groups: the sheep and the goats. Matthew states, “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” (Matthew 25:32). Why is the distinction between the sheep and the goats so important for God? Heaven is eternal and infinite; surely it is not because God has not enough room. And besides, we know that God “may be all in all,” and is all things to all people (1 Corinthians 15:26). If God is in all, and is all things to all people, then why is there a need for the shepherd to differentiate the flock?

No, it is not because of lack of space or resources. It is not because the sheep are better than the goats. It is because Heaven and eternal life are only available to those who belong to Christ. Only those who have given their hearts, their souls, their lives over to the will of God are capable of being raised up, carried by God into the Kingdom of Heaven. We learn this throughout scripture. The Kingdom of Heaven is unlike any earthly domain. It is not a Kingdom ruled through force, or through wealth, or through any of the other trappings of political power we are used to here on Earth. Rather, God rules in Heaven. “The end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power,” (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Belief in Christ is the critical element separating the sheep from the goats, but Matthew also warns us there is more to entering the Kingdom of Heaven than faith alone. We also need to demonstrate God’s mercy. Mercy in action is the will of God. Welcoming the stranger, acting compassionately towards those who have wronged us or who have harmed others, and forgiveness: these are Christ’s qualities and the qualities that help us to overcome that final barrier, which is death. Therefore, take action. Right now consider who you have wronged and ask for forgiveness. And forgive those who trespass against you, because it is through the act of forgiveness that you find God once more. Help those in need: the homeless, the suffering, the poor. However you can, extend a helping hand and a kind hand so that others may perceive God’s mercy, grace, and love. It is through you that God acts, and by allowing God to act through you, you become part of His flock. Finally, treat yourself with compassion. You are deserving of God’s grace, too.

The greatest challenge of Judgment Day is becoming Christ-like, so that we can overcome death and achieve the gift of eternal life. “As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive,” (I Corinthians 15:22). Aspire to be like Christ in your daily lives. Performing simple acts of kindness can be transformative, helping you to be an instrument of God’s love, allowing you to shepherd members of God’s wayward flock to return them home.





References

Bible: NIV
“Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.”