May the peace of Christ reign within you!
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, which concludes the liturgical year. For the past couple of weekends, the readings and Gospels have been directing us to reflect upon the ways that we have been using the gifts that God has given us and the account that we will give for how we’ve used them. The Gospel this weekend depicts Christ as the sovereign ruler and judge of all. The message is simple and clear: those who have listened to God, the shepherd/guide, are the ones who have worked in the world caring for others, while those who did not listen to him are those who decided to serve themselves.
Most of us who attend Mass on a regular basis hear and understand God’s call to service. The Word of God has living power and it invigorates the community, strengthening us in faith ready for action. The Word penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart. The Spirit of the Word guides our discernment in what is true and false what is good and bad, what should be done and what should be avoided. Our True Shepherd not only shows us the way, he also gives us strength and inspiration with heavenly food. Jesus comes to dwell within us through the Eucharist and we actually become his own hands, his eyes, his voice, his ears in the world and our actions show his presence. This is one of the ways we can understand part of the Angelus: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Those who follow the shepherd find joy in doing the works of the shepherd. The noble heart that loves and serves God through faith-filled, humble service experiences a levity of spirit that simply cannot be described! It is a foretaste of what is to come! May Jesus, our Shepherd King, fill you with lasting joy! May we come to eternal joy with him! God bless you all! +++ Fr. Peter
