Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday in this liturgical year. Two different dimensions of Christ’s reign are put on the Table of God’s Word for us today. Christ embodies the words of the prophet Ezekiel: “I myself will look after and tend my sheep.” This is reinforced with Psalm 23. Christ is the Good Shepherd leading us to what is life-giving. The gospel portrays the Risen Christ as the presiding judge who separates those for care for the needs of the least of our sisters and brothers and those who neglect to reach out in compassionate care.
Both images of Christ are part of our experience. We know first-hand the divine compassion and love that comes to us through Christ Jesus. Our own self-examination and the direct feedback of people around us help us to experience the discerning judgment of Christ regarding our behavior toward those who are in any kind of need.
How do you experience the shepherding love of Christ? How are you called to accountability in loving service of people in need?