It is said of one of the great Tsars (emperors) of Russia of how he would often visit the people of his kingdom, in disguise.

>> This was his method of recognizing the welfare and the well-being of his people.

On one occasion, he dressed up in the garment of a peasant (farmer).

He knocked at the door of an inn for a night shelter.

The innkeeper, who opened the door, had a long look at the peasant.

>> With hands folded, the man was pleading for a place to stay in the inn.

Seeing his shabby clothes and his haggard appearance, the innkeeper began to dismiss him saying:

“Tonight, there are many of the King’s courtiers and noblemen taking lodging in this inn.

>> You may look for a place somewhere else!”

But as he said this, one of the King’s noblemen, who heard the sound of the peasant man, rushed to the door, and motioned to let him in, saying:

“The dress may be that of a peasant, but the voice is the voice of my lord, the King!”

Very often something similar happens in our lives – God, our King comes to us, in disguise…

… in the supplication of a needy neighbour or a distressed companion

… in the silence of a broken soul or an unhappy relationship

… in the pleading of an oppressed cry or a troubled heart

>> Do we recognize our King in all these?

Perhaps the word “King” always brings to our minds, images of…

… royal dresses and majestic clothings

… bane arrogance and vain haughtiness

… super-riches and wealthy adornments

But Christianity always comes to break such notions and shatter such worldly conceptions

>> Are we ready to be the sincere followers of this True and Just King?

The Church today, on this last day of the liturgical year, invites Her children to HAIL this Mighty King – Jesus…

… with the Solemnity of Christ the King!

The Gospel of the Day describes the scene of the Last Judgment…

The passage presents the Son of Man – the King of kings – seated in His majesty and awesome glory and all the nations awaiting His judgment. (Mt 25: 31-32)

The sheep, placed on the right side, are the chosen ones to enjoy the bliss of the Kingdom.

>> The goats, placed on the left side, are the condemned ones to suffer the fire of punishment.

One of the important aspects to be observed in this passage of the scene of the Last Judgment is the manner in which the King looks at human actions…

The Bible says, “Humans look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7)

One of the common question that both the groups – the sheep as well the goats – posed was:

“When did we know…”

The sheep were taken by surprise, at the occasions, which the Lord found them doing good…

>> They remained unaware of those situations, though they did the good in God’s sight.

>> They remained unaware of those occasions, though they did the needful in God’s sight.

The goats were taken by surprise, at the occasions, which the Lord found them missing to do good…

>> They remained unaware of those situations, where they failed to do the good in God’s sight.

>> They remained unaware of those occasions, where they missed to do the needful in God’s sight.

> We may not “realize” the occasions of doing good…

>> We may not “realize” the occasions of having missed doing good…

This, therefore, calls for cultivation of an inner disposition to do good.

>> This calls for building of an inner character to be charitable.

Ø From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…

Ø From the abundance of goodness within, good actions flow…

Ø From the abundance of kindness within, kind conduct emerges…

Ø From the abundance of love within, charitable behaviours proceed…

Let’s prepare ourselves well, in cultivating an inner disposition to do good…

… by allowing Christ to reign over our lives!

From the next Sunday, we enter into the Hopeful Season of Advent…

… let it be an occasion to grow in cultivating love, deep within.

… let it be a time of forming a character of goodness and kindness.

The Day of Judgment is certainly to be a glorious one…

If we fail to build up a character of goodness and charity, we may go through feelings of anxiety or fear or even dread!

>> But trusting in the mercy and compassion of the Lord, let us, as the little children of our Heavenly Father, be hopeful and confident!

Jesus, our Great King, desires earnestly and eagerly to reign over our hearts!

>> Shall we not open our hearts and lives to the Lord?

Yes, let us Hearken to His voice…Christ, the King – The Great King.

>> No land to reign, but our hearts…

>> No majestic throne, but the cross…

>> No mighty army, but a few people to spread His word…

>> No royal treats all the time, but pain and suffering often…

>> No grand fiesta or party but the sacrifice of the Calvary in the Eucharist…

This king invites us today to renew our commitment to Him

He comes to us in many different situations and circumstances of our life…

May we never say to Him, “You may look for a place somewhere else!”

>> Instead, even in situations when the externals appear vague…

… filled with a clear disposition of the Lord reigning in our hearts, may we say: “The dress may be that of a peasant, but the voice is the voice of my lord, the King!”

Royalty is less, but faithfulness is assured….

>> Popularity is rare, but blessings are plenty.

Shall we always say “Yes” to this King of Hearts – Christ the Crucified King?

Happy Feast to all the Valiant and Faithful Soldiers of Christ, the Awesome King!

God Bless! Live Jesus!