The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Our readings for Sunday are here.

These are the poems, my notes, and interpretations of Fr Dennis’ homily from the Mass of

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The poem Fr Dennis references this year is:

Archbishop Oscar Romero Prayer: A Step Along the Way by Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw on November 26, 2017
Monopoly 1955 by Barbara Crooker on November 23, 2014

In 2017, we reflected on —

how part of the first reading (Ezekiel 34:15-17) and the gospel (Matthew 25:32-34) focused on the different judgments for sheep and goats. He suggested a good website of sheepandgoats101. I’m not sure this is it, but this is what I found: https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/feed-housing/feeding-goats-and-sheep-101/
the gospel describes the attributes of the sheep, people, and nations on the king’s right in the remainder of the passage. “I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink, …”
how there are people who live the works of mercy (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, …) and then find out Christ was in the poor, the hungry …
- they have a natural sympathy with those in need
- almost a religion, in that they don’t even really know they’re “living the gospel”
our Collect prayer from the Sacramentary (Roman Missal), “Almighty Ever-Living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, King of the Universe” addresses another aspect of the end time: God will make things right — justice to and throughout the entire world.

In 2014, we reflected that —

it’s important to note what is not said in the gospel: the Judgment isn’t a vindication of Jesus’ teaching because his teaching isn’t about doctrinal matters.
the important message (and main point) of the gospel is that
- we help one another; that we simply be good human beings, and
- how important service is to the community and ourselves; concern for the poor is mentioned 1 time per 10 verses in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament), 1 time per 4 verses in the gospel according to Luke, and a staggering 1 time per 3 verses in the Epistle of James.
Barbara Crooker’s poem engages with what is gold? what is important? — olive oil, the miracle of many meals from one … from the fat that looks like molten gold.
the judgment and The Judgment are about the every day — to be kind, to be good, to be human, to be thoughtful.

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A