The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King [A]

Readings
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Matthew 25:31-46

Calendar
November 20: Universal Children's Day
November 24: Thanksgiving Day (in the US)
November 25: Buy Nothing Day (See: http://adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/)
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
(See: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/violence/ and other links below)

Quotes
The salvation brought by Christ is continually being offered to us, that it may bear abundant fruits of goodness in keeping with the plan of God who wishes to save all his children, especially those who have gone away from him and are looking for the way back. The Good Shepherd is always going in search of the lost sheep, and when he finds them he puts them on his shoulders and brings them back to the flock. Christ is in search of every human being, whatever the situation!
John Paul II, "Jubilee Message for those in Prisons," July 9, 2000

The guaranteeing of basic justice for all is not an optional expression of largesse but an inescapable duty for the whole of society.
US Bishops, Economic Justice for All, #120

Poor and vulnerable people have a special place in Catholic social teaching. A basic moral test of a society is how its most vulnerable members are faring. This is not a new insight; it is the lesson of the parable of the Last Judgment (see Matthew 25). Our tradition calls us to put the needs of the poor and the vulnerable first. As Christians, we are called to respond to the needs of all our sisters and brothers, but those with the greatest needs require the greatest response.
U.S. Catholic Bishops, A Century of Social Teaching, 6-7

Thoughts for Your Consideration
The connection between today's gospel and Catholic Social Teaching seems very obvious and on one level there is nothing to add. The gospel story reminds us that ultimately, we will be judged by how well we live out the social teaching of Jesus Christ. We will be judged by whether we have responded to the call to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, welcome the stranger, serve those who are ill, and visit those who are in prison.

As direct as we might find the story's message, there is a danger in reading the story in too limited a way. We might be tempted to limit the story to direct service to those in need. We must not forget that we are called to work for social change in the structures of our world and for empowerment of those in need. We are called to ask why people are hungry or thirsty or homeless or refugees or without medical care or in prison. We are called to look at

• the structures that keep people from earning the food they need

• the policies that keep people in the developing world from a healthy water supply

• the economic forces that have some people living in substandard homes

• the government rules that make life hard for refugees and immigrants

• the failure of some to see basic medical care as a human right for all

• the injustices in our criminal justice system.

There is also a danger using this story in too simplistic a way. Most people will recognize themselves has being both "sheep" and "goats." Most people have at some time answered the call to respond to those in need. Most people at some time have also failed to respond to the call to assist those in need. All of us are called to be aware humbly of both realities in our personal life and in the life of our culture and our nation. Otherwise, we will fall into the trap of condemnation and ideology. We might then judge the world in unfair categories of us and them í¢â‚¬" good people and bad people. If we do this, we run the risk of simplifying the gospel message and preventing it from having its full power. (We would also forget that judgment ultimately belongs to God.) We may end up becoming what we condemn.

Our awareness of the injustices of our world will empower us to grow and change and be filled with life in solidarity with God and others, "so that God may be all in all."

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group
When have you found yourself to be a "sheep?"
When have you found yourself to be a "goat?"

Actions - Links

Information about Buy Nothing Day: November 25, the day after Thanksgiving, can be found at http://adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/

November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. December 10 is International Human Rights Day. In 1991, the first Women's Global Leadership Institute designated this period as Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender Violence. The theme for 2005 is For the Health of Women, For the Health of the World. See the following websites for information and activities:

• UNIFEM: http://www.unifem.org/campaigns/november25/ with background and statistics on many forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, trafficking, HIV/AIDS, and armed conflict.

• Amnesty International: http://web.amnesty.org/actforwomen/index-eng with info about their campaign site opposing violence against women

• Center for Women's Global Leaders: http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/16days/kit05/theme.html

Prayer í¢â‚¬" Meditation

Basic Necessities of Life

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may be a voice for those who lack even the basic necessities of life, tirelessly serving them and calling for change. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We pray for the world's leaders, that they may not hide behind their power or abuse it, but work for the good of all humanity, particularly the poor throughout the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We pray for our local community here in xxx, that we may show our love through our respect for each other and for our environment, gladly sharing what we have with those in need. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

by Linda Jones, CAFOD http://www.cafod.org.uk/resources/worship/prayers/prayers_about_poverty/basic_necessities_of_life