This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King!  This is the final Sunday in our liturgical year! What a fitting way to end the year, celebrating Jesus as our Lord and King!

The Gospel this weekend reminds us that one day our life on earth will end and we will come face to face with Christ the King. This Gospel highlights the criteria that the King sets for entering His eternal, heavenly kingdom. These criteria are not about money, success or even how well you adhere to the law.  These criteria are about serving those in need. The criteria are the Corporal Works of Mercy.

I think most of us consider ourselves good people. If we didn’t, I assume we would work to change that. However, when I’m faced with the criteria set before me in this Gospel, I’m reminded that being kind, friendly, prayerful and honest are not how Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous. I’m reminded that Jesus directly calls us to not just give money to organizations, but we are called to get out there and get our hands dirty!  WE are called to feed the sick, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, clothe the naked, and bury the dead.

This is a great Gospel for our Thanksgiving weekend. While we are filling the table and giving God glory and praise for our abundance of blessings, let us call to mind that many don’t experience the same abundance.  Let us not only call this to mind, but let’s get our hands dirty and serve the King through the people we serve on earth.