We end the final week of Ordinary Time and the Liturgical Year with the Solemnity of Christ the King. Interestingly the Church instituted this Solemnity only in 1925 when Pius XI was Pope. With many feasts, they are established in response to a particular period. For many, the 1920s is known as the “Roaring Twenties” for economic prosperity following the First World War. Across the Atlantic Ocean, important movements were taking place in Europe on how people related to the state and religion. New political ideologies formed during this period that emphasised the state in total control of resources and how they were distributed.
This feast may be seen as an effort by the church to regain influence over people’s lives as people drifted. The concern was to replace principles that guided people’s lives to imitate a selfless God with a more self serving authoritarian state. The feast is a great reminder for people of every age to ponder the question “who is actually leading their lives?” We tend to intimate those who lead us. Vatican II helped us see how closely connected we are to Christ as Prophet, Priest and King. Through baptism each person becomes a leader through initiation and imitation.
We are given many images of leadership in all of our readings this weekend. The image of a caring shepherd that most of us are familiar with is found in the Responsorial Psalm. In the shepherd, a leader is defined by their actions as one who revives, guides, nurtures, protects, gives. There are many people in our homes, parishes and workplaces who take on a role of a shepherd by caring for the vulnerable.
The Gospel gives us a different perspective on leadership. The leader identifies with those in need “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.” Putting oneself in the shoes of the other person is a powerful way to help how one should lead. While this Gospel continues Matthew’s encouragement to be prepared with good works, equally it could be interpreted from a sense of fear rather than from a heart filled with compassion.
Published: 24 November 2023
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Arthur Ray Ainsworthray St Catherines says:
Wonderful homily especially the bit about putting oneself in the other person’s shoes. Thanks Father for those words. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you