Solemnity of Christ the King – Cycle A

Reflecting on Matthew 25: 31-46

Christ my King, these are the things I’ve seen lately, things that brought your parable of the Last Judgment to my mind:

1. I saw an exhausted mom clean up her toddler’s spilled milk with a laugh and a kiss.
2. I saw hundreds of parishes donating gift cards so under-served families could shop for the foods they eat at Thanksgiving.
3. I saw my husband graciously forego a beer and the game in order to help a friend.
4. I saw an elderly ex-convict walk off the streets and into a warm counseling center.
5. I saw a new apartment complex open that provides permanent shelter for those who were once living on the street.
6. I saw extraordinary young people accompanying Syrian refugees to safety.
7. I saw sweet kids from around the country organizing fundraisers for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Christ, my King, they didn’t know it, but they did each of these beautiful things for you.

But this week I also saw the effects of greed and power and selfishness and “me first-ness” wreak heartbreak and devastation all over the globe.

We did that to you, oh Jesus. You should have said something.

You should have said, “Hey! That’s me you’re leaving out in the cold, me you’re neglecting, me you’re forcing into three minimum-wage jobs a day.”

You should have said something, Jesus. We just didn’t see you.

Where have you seen Christ in his “most distressing disguise” recently?

Kathy McGovern ©2017

Ordinary Time - Cycle A