Homily, November 26, 2023
From The Pastor
Jesus is not a small Savior. Those who create war and violence, suffering and oppression for the sake of power must think Jesus is small and impotent. Rulers and the power mongers of this world have no idea what death might mean for them. Clearly there is an image of worldly power and control over others that is addictively enticing to those who seek its apparent riches. Where does it all go? What is gained that is of any lasting value?
History proves this point. It is revealed in the first reading relayed by God through the Prophet Ezekiel. Israel has had some great leaders through the ages. They have also had, in biblical times and beyond, many who lived only for the sake of their own power, fame, and comforts of life. This has always meant poverty, oppression, and suffering for those under their authority.
As early as this Old Testament reading, God has promised to personally shepherd his people. The golden age of Israel was in the time of King David who for forty years led the people in an unprecedented time of prosperity and peace. After King David, the people begged God for a just and righteous Messiah to rescue them from their captors and disordered kings. Only God himself could fill the role. ‘I myself will look after and tend my sheep…I will rescue them from every place where they are scattered…I myself will give them rest says the Lord God.’
This is the true meaning of Shepherd-King. A just and righteous leader given for the good of those they are called to serve. David is the prefigurement of the coming Christ who would be the universal righteous Savior for all who seek the Kingdom of God. These words of prophecy are as true today as in any age.
Where does the war, violence, poverty, and oppression so evident in the world today end? Only in Christ alone will these evils find any solution. Evil and hate can only fight to the end of its own destruction. This is the power and the truth of today’s feast; Jesus, Our Lord, is Christ and King of the universe.
Jesus may seem like too small a Savior who came and went while war, hate, and poverty kept right on going. This is not the truth. The Kingdom of God is realized not in the ability to conquer and kill all enemies, but to forgive and reconcile with them. This would appear small, unattainable, or even laughable. Still, this is the Christ and Lord we profess.
Resisted and rejected as he was, Jesus made it very clear as to the kind of Messiah he would be. Jesus is a Messiah of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love, and peace. Jesus is the truth and the sovereignty of God. Jesus is love incarnate, sent to save the world from the lie of evil, sin, and death. This is the surpassing grace of the Divine God and the only way God can save the world. Many do not and will not accept this truth because they reject the vulnerability of surrendering to love and the challenges it presents. Power over others always appears to be a more effective and satisfying way.
The work of Jesus was not to defeat all his enemies by the power of the sword. It would never end. There will always be people who will seek power and control through violence and oppression over others. Jesus came to win the cosmic battle against the principality, powers, and dominations of the Evil one. This was the only way to reveal the true sovereignty and the power of Divine love.
Jesus defeats the evil and hate of the world by bringing it to the Cross in his own body. Freely and willingly, without bitterness or resentment Jesus hung on that Cross with pure love. That is our salvation. Small as that one man may seem, he is the man of eternal redemption, now risen from the dead as King of the Universe.
The image of the gospel is unique to St. Matthew. It is a powerful image of judgement day. It draws in the image of the Good Shepherd who will justly separate the sheep from the goats. What will separate the two? Works of charity and compassion on those who suffer in any human need. Jesus sees and treats each of us as himself, including every person of every nation on earth. Those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, and visit the sick and imprisoned are doing so as if to Jesus himself. To fail to do these very same works for others is to fail to do them for Jesus.
It cannot be simpler or more obvious than that. The Kingship of Jesus is built on love alone, exercised in works of compassion, justice, and mercy. In the end, love wins. The ones who love the most will know most clearly oneness with God. Those who love selfishly or not at all will not be recognized by God because God is love. Those who do not know or become love for others will not recognize or know God. You have Christ. Christ claims you as his own. In love, do all you can to bring about the Kingdom of God. Jesus may seem small, but the smallest grain of yeast or the mustard seed will grow and reveal his Kingdom. Be a spreader of love.
Father John Esper
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