Matt 25:31-46

It is appropriate that this Gospel passage is the one used for this feast of Christ the King as it sets out the type of kingdom over which God rules. Yes, this is an end times judgement – but upon what are people being judged as ‘sheep from goats’? It is our actions or lack of action for those in need.

The passage specifies those in need: those who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison. Also, crucially, God is each of those people, e.g. ‘naked and you clothed me’. Lest that point be lost, it is made explicit: ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’ (Matt 25:40). Saying that we are all one family is also thought-provoking (thus the Our Father). We can each be guilty of wanting to ‘be on our best behaviour’ whether that is how we act in front of our boss, in an interview, our manner of speech or the way we dress in chosen situations. Two questions this passage raises are: ‘how do I act when I think no-one is watching?’ ‘Am I really a person of compassion and respect or might it just be for show?’ 

We can easily be caught in making judgments of others, and ourselves. Passages like this can be seen to reinforce this view. However, God is not trying to catch us out for one mistake or omission. Rather, those who are found wanting are those who never take care of others who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison. 

May we have the grace and wit to see that this passage applies to each of us – as well as the governments who represent us – and ensure that we live our faith by caring for those in need.