November 22, 2020: Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did w see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
“And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’
“Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Reflection
Today we are given a preview of the final judgment. Yes, we are told exactly how we will be judged. We are called to give. The problem is we’ve often given only when it is convenient. Generosity is just the opposite of that. It means giving our time, money, compassion, forgiveness or mercy when it’s not convenient. We give when it’s not on our schedule, but what’s on the other person’s schedule.
Action
This week consider volunteering. If you don’t know where to volunteer, call your parish office. Perhaps there is a food pantry or a thrift store where you can give your time. Maybe, there is a neighbor who is homebound that you can phone and spend time just being present to them. I know there is somewhere you are needed. Remember you are serving Christ the King.
Srs. You have added value to my understanding of the best meaning of religious Life. May Christ’s kingdom take control of my life.