When did we see you?

 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Year A - 22nd November 2020

Gospel Matthew 25:31–46 (shortened)

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory ... he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate people one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats ...

‘Then the King will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. 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.” Then the virtuous will say to him in reply, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?” And the King will answer, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these of mine, you did it to me.”

‘Next he will say to those on his left hand, “Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, naked and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me.” Then it will be their turn to ask, “Lord, when did we see you ... and did not come to your help?” Then he will answer, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me.” ‘And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the virtuous to eternal life.’

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I begin by asking the Holy Spirit to help me reach the heart of this challenging gospel. I read it slowly and gently, remembering that the Son of Man (and King) is the one and same true shepherd.

I can trust his call, guidance, teaching and his judgements.

What is stirring within as I read? If I am feeling any fear or unease, I could ponder where this might be coming from. Or maybe, I am remembering times when I have received help, or been of help? I stay with these memories.

In the First Reading, Jesus, the true shepherd, has kept me within his gaze. Here, Christ the King desires to invite me to the feast.

How can I respond to this invitation in the here and now?

I ask to see, ever more keenly, Christ present to me in all circumstances. Perhaps I feel drawn to stay with Christ for a few moments, who appears to me both in glory and power ... but also, as one who is vulnerable and in need. When ready, I end with the sign of the cross.

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