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Sunday, November 20, 2011

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Christ the King


Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Psalm 23:1-3, 5-6
Matthew 25:31-46

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Jesus "will sit upon His royal throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him. Then He will separate them into two groups." —Matthew 25:31-32

When Christ the King returns in glory at the end of the world and on Judgment Day, we will hear King Jesus say to us one of the following two statements (Mt 25:31). Those whom King Jesus has placed at His right hand will hear the words: "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world" (Mt 25:34). Those whom King Jesus has placed on His left will hear the words: "Out of My sight, you condemned, into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" (Mt 25:41)

To be on King Jesus' right, to inherit His kingdom, we must:

  • be "begotten of water and Spirit" (Jn 3:5),
  • "seek first His kingdom over us and His way of righteousness" (Mt 6:33, our transl),
  • love the Lord with all our hearts (Lk 10:27) and practically express our love for the poor, the hungry and thirsty, the refugees and strangers, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned (Mt 25:35ff),
  • love the Church (Eph 5:25) and be submissive to her authority, for Jesus has entrusted to the Pope and the Church the keys of His kingdom (Mt 16:19), and
  • give everything for His kingdom (Mt 13:44, 46).

By God's grace, make the decisions necessary for Jesus to place you on His right. Inherit the kingdom.

Prayer:  King Jesus, I submit my life to You. Come back very soon!

Promise:  "Christ must reign until God has put all enemies under His feet, and the last enemy to be destroyed is death." —1 Cor 15:25-26

Praise:  Praise Jesus, risen King of kings and Lord of lords! Praise God! Praise You, King Jesus, victorious, triumphant, and enthroned. Alleluia!

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Bishop-Elect, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 26, 2011 (for 10-1-2011 through 11-29-2011) and May 26, 2011 (for 11-30-2011)

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