Daily Reflections

November 20, 2011
YOU DID IT TO ME

The Last Sunday in Ordinary Time is always the celebration of Christ the King. It was formerly on the last Sunday of October. After Vatican II, it was transferred to the Last Sunday in Ordinary Time. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast on December 11, 1925 to combat the rising secularism and atheistic communism so rampant at that time. He established this feast so that people might again turn to their King and their Lord — Jesus Christ.
In the first reading, we hear of the call of the shepherd King who separates people as sheep and goats. The mixed flocks of sheep and goats were a common sight in Palestine. At night, the goats were inside since they preferred the warmth, whereas the sheep preferred the open air. Admired by their shepherds, the sheep are given preferential treatment, hence the Gospel of the sheep and goats.
In this Gospel, we read about the sin of omission. At the Last Judgment, we will not only be judged by our actions, good or evil. We will also be judged on our failure to do good when the need arises in our lives. Mother Teresa of Calcutta would teach her sisters the “Gospel on five fingers,” as she would count on the fingers of her hand the words of Matthew 25:40, “You did it to me.” Did we see and help the Christ among us or did we reject them? How often in a day do we reject or accept Christ among us?
Once, Jesus said to the disciples as the woman washed His feet, you will always have the poor among you. Every day we have an opportunity to visit the sick, visit the lonely prisoners, feed the hungry, quench the thirsty and clothe the naked. Christ is on our doorstep every day. Are we able to recognize Him? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Reflect on the words “you did it to me.”

Lord, help me clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort the sick, visit the lonely and satisfy the thirsty. Amen.

St. Edmund Rich, pray for us.