XXXIV SUNDAY: CHRIST THE KING - Matthew 25:31-46
As we come to the end of the liturgical year, we are called to reflect upon the end of times. The preceding parables in chapter 25 of Matthew gave a clear indication that the gates of heaven will not be wide open to whoever comes to them. Only those who fulfil certain conditions will have the gates open for them. Thus, the five foolish virgins, coming late, found the gate closed and were denied entrance, despite their plea. In the same, the one who did nothing with his talent was condemned. Being considered worthless, was cast “into the outer darkness” (Mt 25:30). Salvation cannot be taken for granted. In the end, each one of us will be answerable for his actions and will get a reward or a punishment according to the way he lived. We are servants who were entrusted with the gifts of God and we must prove that we deserve God’s trust. It is true that, no matter how much we try, we never deserve the right to be accepted in God’s Kingdom. We must open our hearts and let them be enkindled by God’s love. Our salvation is always a gift of God’s merciful love, and we must accept that gift with thanksgiving. Having been loved, we must love; forgiven, we must forgive; having experienced mercy, we must be merciful. Indeed, God’s gifts to us must bear fruits. We cannot be like that fig tree on which Jesus found no fruit.
This Sunday parable situates the whole of humanity at the end of times when all will be called to judgement. Then, we will be separated “one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”. Before the Messiah - the Son of Man - the great assembly of all peoples will be gathered. The blessed will be on his right, while the cursed will be on the left. The blessed ones will inherit the kingdom prepared for them, and the cursed will be sent to eternal fire. All will be judged by the commandment of love. Those filled with the love of God were able to show mercy and compassion to those who passed through suffering: they behaved as true children of God. Others were so filled with themselves that they only showed despise and contempt for those in need. Their hearts were like hard stones with rough edges that injured those who approached them. They cannot enter the kingdom of God. Their hearts will burn for eternity, not with love but with hatred.
May the Lord open our hearts and minds, so that we may learn from him to be merciful as he is merciful.
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