A few weeks ago we
participated, most of us, in a changing of the guard in this country. A truly momentous occasion when we once again
elected a new leader for our nation. And
this one was very unusual because for the first time in our history we elected
an African-American. And no matter how
much fighting went on during election process we know that the transition from
one president to the next will go smoothly.
We don’t know all that much about royalty because in this country it’s been an
awfully long time since we were ruled by a king. And I don’t know that we recognize just how
unusual our type of election is in this world.
But the royalty bring to mind unlimited power, splendor, palaces, great
armies and on and on.
Recently I’ve been watching
on Channel 2 a series on the British monarchy at work and I’m really amazed at
how when you watch this all of the pomp and circumstance that still surrounds
all of their rituals. The earthly kings
were supposed to dispense justice, frame national policy and take steps to
insure a peaceful existence for all of their subjects. Unfortunately the truth has been often found
in the tabloids. Because royalty has
been very careless with the privileges that they supposedly are given by divine
right.
So what of God’s
kingdom? Jesus made it clear from the
beginning that His kingdom was going to be different. “I come to serve, not to be served. I am the Good Shepherd, I know My flock and
my flock knows Me.” Jesus was reluctant
to acknowledge His kingship because He knew that He might be
misunderstood. The Israelites had waited
a long time for a king who hopefully would lead them out of bondage once again. But Christ, by His life, His death, and His
resurrection established His sovereignty on earth as well as in heaven. Jesus showed us the way, the path we are to
follow in order to enter that kingdom.
We may at times in this
troubled world lose our way. We may even
be tempted to think that Christ’s kingdom cannot be attained. Everyday our newspapers, radio, television
carry reports of murder, rape, way, starvation, persecution, violence and
injustice. But Christ is not a myth. Christ’s saving works are still being
accomplished all around us. His kingdom will
last forever and hell will not prevail against it.
With that firmly in mind let
us look at today’s scripture readings.
Ezekiel reassures us that all people matter to God. The lost, the strayed, the injured, the sick,
the weak, will all be treated justly.
Jesus Christ is both Good Shepherd and King. The shepherd cares for us, keeps us together,
heals our hurts, takes care of us when we are sick and despite the noise of troubled
world if we truly listen we will hear his voice.
Jesus is here with us this
morning both in the Eucharist and in each one of us. Look around you. That person sitting next to you personifies
Jesus. That’s why we are called to trust
each other as if that other person is Jesus.
It may not look like your image of Jesus or even behave like we might
imagine He would behave, but don’t be fooled He’s here.
Jesus says treat all others
with justice and compassion. He hides in
the poor and the needy, in the physically disabled, in the newly arrived
immigrants. Let’s imagine a kingdom of
justice rather than domination. A
kingdom held together by love and respect for all live rather than
violence. Peace rather than conflict. Love rather than hatred. Loving our neighbor as ourselves is exactly
how we love God above all else.
In preparing for our
entrance into the kingdom and immersing ourselves in Christ we need to be
creative in performing the corporal works of mercy. Let’s take time this coming week, the final
week of the church year, a week in which we also celebrate Thanksgiving, and
look at all that we have to be thankful for.
Let’s take this week to ask ourselves, “How can I change at home, or at
work to be more attentive to the presence of Jesus in others? Do I feed the hungry? Not only food for the body but food for the
soul?” There is much need locally and
globally. “Do we work with programs
trying to bring clean water to third world countries? Do I clothe the naked? Not only emptying out my closet but maybe
buying a baby item for the
No one can do everything but
everyone of us can do something. Look
for opportunities to reach out to others.
It’s through our acts of kindness and love that we proclaim and make
visible that Christ is our King now and forever.