THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

CHRIST THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE - Matthew 25:31-46

At the end of the liturgical year, we celebrate Christ as the King of the Universe. We speak about divine things with human language because that is the only way we can speak about anything. However, our human language can never translate God’s mystery in a perfect way, since it is always prone to confusion. And so it is the case. Jesus Christ is proclaimed king but is not a king as the earthly kings are. Calling him a king, we speak of his power, his dominion and his glory. In the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes that “everything is to be put under his feet”, because he will defeat all his enemies, and “the last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Co 15:26-27). Jesus Christ does not wield his power and his dominion by being overbearing and by oppressing and crushing everything else. Christ presented himself as a servant, who gives up his life so that we may gain life and salvation.

When Pilate asked Jesus if he was king, he answered back that his kingdom is not of this world (Jn 18:36). Only those who search wholeheartedly for the truth will listen to his voice and accept his rule. Jesus kingship was revealed on the Cross, where he showed his love, shedding his blood for us.

The only purpose of Jesus’ kingship is that “God may be all in all.” (1 Co 15:28) If we accept Jesus Christ and live by his rule, we are led to allowing the God of love and peace be God in our lives, and then all our deepest desires will be fulfilled.

Jesus Christ is king as a Shepherd - the Good Shepherd, who cares for his people, leading them to a place of rest and peace. As a shepherd, he protects, defends, guides and heals his people. He “shows them where to rest” and he “will feed them with justice” (Ez 34:15-16)

As King of the universe, Jesus will sit on his throne to judge humankind and he will judge according to the rule of his kingdom, the love of love, mercy and compassion. 

We cannot be surprised that Pope Francis has been insisting so much on the Church being a Church of the poor, where they feel at home because they are loved and respected. If we pass by the poor, the outcast, the oppressed and the suffering, then Jesus Christ will not recognise us as belonging to his kingdom. We will be cast out and expelled from his presence.

“The Lord is my shepherd;

  there is nothing I shall want.

Fresh and green are the pastures

  where he gives me repose.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Near restful waters he leads me,

  to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path;

  he is true to his name.” (Ps 23:1-3)