Celebration of Christ The King 2020

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
      Today we celebrate the last Sunday of the Christian Liturgical Year and it is fitting that it directly relates to Jesus with the Feast of Christ the King or otherwise known as the reign of Christ. I say either/or as often the images in people’s minds of monarchical rule are easily out of sync with how the reign of Christ operates e.g. at Jesus trial before Pilate, he says, “My kingdom is not of this world.” What then does Christ’s reign mean?
       Our first reading from the prophet Ezekiel today gives us a clue as to God’s intention. That his rule is like that of a shepherd King. A God who guides, leads and cares fully and completely for the flock in his care. A shepherd King provides for the flock, leads them to abundant and safe pastures; seeking out the lost and drawing back in those who stray, caring for the injured and bolstering weaknesses. A shepherd king who cares for all “no buts” and has the respect and devotion of those who follow.
        Likewise our Gospel reading continues this imagery of a shepherd/servant leader. Yet clearly spelled out in this passage are the responsibilities of followers to emulate the servant leadership of Christ: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, providing for those who go without. How this is lived out can be wide and varied, depending on the context of the community at any given time.
​       Today as we celebrate Christ the King, we are reminded of our own calling through baptism to be God’s children and thereby co-inheritors of the Kingdom of God. We too can share in the many tasks of living and sharing in the life the gospel can bring to this world. 
​       May you journey well with Christ this week. How might God be calling us to follow faithfully as sisters and brothers of Christ in the mission of the church in the world?

Fr ​Ian