Homily for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus, King of the Universe Year A
Theme: The King of Love
By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
Homily for Sunday November 22 2020
(Mt. 25:31-46)
In today’s Gospel, Solemnity of Christ the King, Jesus stressed the importance of serving our neighbor. That serving our neighbor, is actually a service to the Lord. When Jesus taught us to love God, He meant it expressed not only in directly praying to God, expressing our love in reverence and respect, and following His commands. Our love and faith for the Lord should also be expressed concretely. And the most concrete way os to express them to our neighbours, our fellow human beings created in the image and likeness of God.
How is this related to Jesus’ Kingship? Like His Messiahship which was far from the Jewish idea, Jesus presents His own Kingship. It was a kingship characterized by service and love for others. His kingship does not ache for the bows and kneels of His people. He wants them to care for the poor, the sick, the needy, and those imprisoned. He is the king of love.
Jesus’ war is against evil. His message is peace. His dominion is the whole of creation. No one is left behind. Everyone is welcome to His Kingdom. No visa is required.
The message of Jesus’ kingship is very relevant today when division seems to be the norm in every situation. “Kayo kayo, kami kami.””Tayo Tayo, sila sila.””Ako ako, ikaw ikaw.” Exclusive clubs, subdivisions and roads. Discrimination is prevalent. Classifications had resulted to alienation. Jesus’ attention to the weak, poor, abandoned, needy, and anawims became an equaliser. He sends the message that we have neighbours who are in need and could not cope with other members of society. They need our care and attention. They too are God’s creation.
In the process of caring for the needy, we should not neglect the rich, free, healthy, and happy. They too need our care in a different sense. We all have our needs. Jesus wants us to be attentive to them too. That is His Kingship. He cares for all and a little more to those in need. Hail to our King!