By Fr. Andrew Kelly
THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME — NOVEMBER 23, 2014 (CHRIST THE KING)
In Sunday’s gospel judgment scene (Matthew 25:31-46), the whole world is being judged, not just Christian communities. Shockingly the same standard of judgment is applied equally to believers and nonbelievers.
Everyone will be asked: “Did you feed me when I was hungry? Did you give me drink when I was thirsty? Did you provide me hospitality and shelter when I was a stranger and homeless? Did you clothe me when I was naked? Did you take care of me when I was sick? Did you visit me when I was in prison?”
In other words: “Did you see my divine light radiating from my neediest and desperate human beings? Did you adore my divine light by serving them?” Yes or no?
The world and the believing community already know how they will be judged. Right now is the Son of Man’s divine light being seen and responded to in the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick and imprisoned? Yes or no? If yes, all are blessed. If not, all are accursed.
A question. If the Son of Man demands this much moral and ethical behavior from the world; how much more must be demanded and expected from the believing community?
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
