Daily Reflections ...

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, a feast that gives special recognition to the kingship of Jesus over all aspects of our lives.

Today’s Gospel begins with an image of Jesus enthroned where he separates the righteous from the unrighteous, like a shepherd separating sheep from goats. Jesus tells us that he will gather all the nations before him, and he will judge them based on how they have treated the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. To those who have shown compassion and love, Jesus says, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

This passage reminds us that our faith is not just about personal holiness or religious rituals, but it is about how we live out our faith – how we demonstrate our love for God and one another. It challenges us to actively live with compassion and engage in acts of mercy, reaching out to those who are suffering and in need.

Today, we are invited to see the face of Christ in those we encounter. When we serve others with love and compassion, we are serving Jesus himself. It reminds us that our actions have eternal significance and that our love for others is a reflection of our love for Christ.

+ Jesus, help us remember today that we serve you in every encounter we have with others. Give us the grace to always act with compassion, mercy and love.

by Emma Plant