Homily - Christ the King - Sunday 26th November 2023 - Year A

Homily

Christ the King

Sunday 26th November 2023

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. How familiar are we with the concept of solemnity? This is not a word we often use in everyday life but is frequently used in religious ceremonies. What is Solemnity? Searching through the internet we are provided with a range of meanings, such as being formal, dignified, acting with considerable seriousness, and stately.

Funerals are always solemn occasions as we pay respect to those recently deceased. A lot of preparations go into selecting the appropriate readings and gospel to reflect the loved one’s past and the relationships they had with their family, friends, and the community they lived with.

We see the same solemnity at the opening of parliament after each general election in most countries. These are state affairs signaling the beginning of a new way of government for a certain set number of years.

In many countries around the world, presidents have replaced kings or queens but there are still religious ceremonies conducted when the inauguration of the president occurs. In biblical times there was always a priest such as Samuel who anointed Saul then David when Saul fell out of grace. Zadok anointed Solomon as king.

Originally God was the King of the Israelites, but they wanted to be like the rest of the world because they wanted a king to protect them. A human king who often put the people into servitude, losing all the rights that had been given them by God, becoming slaves.

The psalm reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd, and we shall want for nothing. We will be fed and watered, our spirits will be revived. He will guide us along the correct path, and no harm will come to us. We will be anointed like kings and have a place to dwell through eternity if we follow Our Lord and King.

Ezekiel reminds us that although we may be scattered across the planet, Our Lord knows where we are, and will rescue us. Those who are lost will be found, those injured will be bandaged, and tended to until they are well again. The shepherd knows his flock and knows those who have come to do them harm. On the day of judgment, everyone will be assessed on how they have treated others.

In the Celtic Advent by David Cole, there is a story of a young trainee monk, Cuthbert, who was put in charge of hospitality. One cold morning he made his way across the courtyard through the snow, he discovered a traveler who had sought shelter in the monastery. He took the stranger inside; to help warm his freezing feet in hot waters as he waited for fresh bread to be baked in the kitchen. Ensuring the stranger was comfortable, Cuthbert went off to fetch him a loaf. He kept on praying for the man, on his way to the kitchen and back. To Cuthbert’s surprise on his return, he could not find the man. He had vanished. Searching for him, Cuthbert found no tracks in the snow, so was at odds with where he had gone. As he returned inside, he discovered a rich aroma and three heavenly made loaves smelling of lilies, roses, and honey. Cuthbert’s generosity had been rewarded by an angelic visitor.

Paul in his letter to the Hebrews reminds us by showing hospitality to strangers, we will unknowingly be entertaining angels.

In the Gospel, Jesus separated those who have unknowingly looked after him, when they provided for the stranger, fed, and clothed him or her, or looked after those who have been sick or imprisoned. He solemnly tells us that by recognising those who are seen as the least of us, as if they were our brothers and sisters, we have done the same for him. But those who have not shown the same kindness and ignored those in need around us, because of their neglect, they will be punished.

All humans who have ever lived and are still to be born will be judged through their actions towards others and whether they have shown love. Those who have not will be seen as the enemies of Christ.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us that it is through Adam, that we all experience death, but through Jesus, we are given life. Until the end of time, Christ will have sovereignty overall. His enemies will be crushed, and death will be destroyed. Jesus’s final act will be to hand back all sovereignty, authority, and power given to him, to God Almighty. Full kingship will return to God so he can be everything in everyone.

References

Barron, R. (2023). Solemnity of Christ the King Year A. [Online]. Young Catholics. Available at: https://young-catholics.com/3006/solemnity-of-christ-the-king-year-a/ [Accessed 22 November 2023].

Cole, D. (2018). Celtic Advent - 40 days of devotion to Christmas. Abingdon: Bible Reading Fellowship. pp.141

Scianna, B. C. (2020). Solemnity of Christ the King Year A. [Online]. The Augustinians. Available at: https://www.augustinian.org/homilies/solemnity-of-christ-the-king-year-a [Accessed 22 November 2023].

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