“And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
The end is near… of the Liturgical Year that is! As for the Last Day, we “know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). So rather than speculating, let us devote ourselves with even greater fervor to Our Lord and King by giving thanks for his glorious majesty.
Yes, Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe and Lord of all. Perhaps that is a frightening notion for those of us who enjoy the privilege of living in a free democracy. We are not accustomed to the rule of an Absolute Monarch. It’s difficult to accept the reality that we are not in charge, and it’s often scary to imagine that one day our King will “come again in glory to judge the living and the dead” (Nicene Creed). Indeed, we will have to give him an account of our lives.
This prospect of being judged elicits one of the most frequent questions from the high school students who I teach: What do I have to do so as not to go to hell? (Or as they oftentimes mean, what can I get away with and still go to Heaven?) Usually, I direct them to the Gospel passage that we hear this Sunday.
Jesus makes it pretty clear and simple: If we live out our love for God by caring for the lowly, then we will “inherit the kingdom” (Mt. 25:34). If we neglect the lowly and those in need, then we will not enter the kingdom, because the King identifies himself most closely with the “least among us.”
If we really love the King, then we will love those whom He loves – the little ones. So, the question must be faced; what have you done for the least among you and what will you do? Will you feed the hungry child? Will you help the homeless man on the street? Will you visit those who are sick? Will you welcome those who are strange?
This is not an easy calling, but it is a royal one, because it is the work of the King. Perhaps we may find some inspiration and courage from the example and intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest and martyr who lived less than 100 years ago under the terrible persecution of Catholics in Mexico. Fr. Miguel carried out countless works of mercy for the poor and celebrated the sacraments in secret, often going about in disguise. Considered an enemy of the state, we was arrested under false pretenses and sentenced to death. As he knelt in front of the firing squad, Fr. Miguel forgave his executioners, stretched out his arms in the shape of a cross, and died as he exclaimed, "Viva Cristo Rey!” – “Long live Christ the King!"
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the King of the Universe. Come, reign in our hearts. Fill us with a greater love for you and for your little ones. Help us to see you in the least among us. Let us never forget your great sacrifice of love. May the kingdom, the power, and the glory be yours, now and forever. Amen.