Two-Minute Homily by Fr John Fowles for the Feast of Christ the King 2023. “When we serve others, we serve Christ our King. In serving Christ in our neighbours, we draw others into God’s reign of love.”
- Two-Minute Homily Transcript
Two-Minute Homily Transcript
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
There is a devotion we Catholics have to the Infant Jesus of Prague. This devotion expresses the belief that Jesus, even as an infant, was King of the universe. The feast of Christ the King is simply reminding us, that the King is served when others are served, especially in the suffering, the poor, the outsider. Our faith in Christ must lead to charity. Christ, our King, is honoured when we put love into action by offering relief to the oppressed, or the marginalised, people who are suffering and deprived of the necessities of life. Our deeds, or lack of them; our thoughts, good or bad, do have a bearing on the life of our soul.Our actions do have consequences, now and in eternity. “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these, you did it to Me.” Yes, love in action is our challenge. We cannot afford the luxury of living too comfortably knowing that other people are suffering impoverishment. Love and service of our neighbour is love and service to God. “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.” When we serve others, we serve Christ our King. In serving Christ in our neighbours, we draw others into God’s reign of love.
In the Gospel, Jesus identifies himself with the poor and marginalised. So, the care we give to others is the care we give to him. When we practice the works of mercy, we manifest the kingship of Christ over our lives. For Jesus says to us, “Whatever you do to one of the least of these sisters and brothers of mine, you do unto me.” Long story short. We all like to be loved. Let’s love others as we love to be loved.