Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
My dear parishioners,
God is Good!!! All the time!!! And all the time!!! God is Good!!!
This reading belongs to the Old Testament’s most elaborate portrayal of God as shepherd. At this point in his book, Ezekiel has already denounced the leaders of the community as shepherds who failed to care for the flock (34:1–10). Now God assumes the role they should have carried out.
Today’s Gospel portrays the Son of Man coming on earth to render the final judgment on all the nations. Although this passage is sometimes referred to as a parable, it fits much better the format of an apocalypse. While it is not clear who “all the nations” refers to, most commentators include both gentiles and Jews. The character of this final judgment is unexpected. The Son of Man will assemble all the nations for final judgment and then commence to function as a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep are considered good, and the goats are bad.
Saving actions. The king will invite those on his right (sheep) to inherit the kingdom. The criteria for their acceptance are listed as six good actions: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the ill, and visiting those in prison. The righteous who have performed these good actions are shocked that somehow their recipient was actually the Lord. How could this be they asked? The king’s answer is surprising: “Whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” It is not clear who all would be included in the “least brothers.” Some think it could refer to Christian missionaries in Matthew’s time.
Missed opportunities. The king dismisses those on his left into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. He claims that the accursed refused to offer him the six actions that those on the right had done. The accursed are dumbfounded, not knowing when they were asked to do such a thing. They are told that they refused to do these saving actions for the least of the brothers. This is equal to refusing to minister to the king.
Judgment rendered. The final judgment is rendered by the king. Those who were on the right and ministered to the least of the brothers go to eternal life. Those on the left who failed to do this go to eternal punishment. Commentators continue to raise several issues about this passage. Nevertheless, the basic teaching is clear. Humans will be judged by their willingness to reach out and minister to those in need—whoever they might be.
Excerpts from “Sunday Homily Helps”, is used by permission of Franciscan Media. www.FranciscanMedia.org
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Aloysius