Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right hand, ‘Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For 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.’
Then the virtuous will say to him in reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?’
And the King will answer, ‘I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’
(Matthew 25:31–40)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The ‘Son of Man’ is a title that is often used of Jesus in the gospels. Scholars still debate the precise meaning of this title and whether Jesus used it of himself. The term, as used in the Book of Daniel, has messianic overtones; that is, it is used as a title for the Messiah.
Service has always been at the heart of the Church’s work. Traditionally, the ‘corporal works of mercy’ are loosely based on Jesus’ words in this gospel and include feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. See The Catechism of the Catholic Church, §2447.
The Church also identifies ‘spiritual works of mercy’ (see CCC, §2447) as ‘instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.’
EXPLORING THE WORD
Over the last few weeks, the gospel texts have dealt with issues of being prepared, staying ready, and using our gifts well. In some ways, all these themes culminate in today’s text. This gospel presents us with the bottom line! Are we judged worthy of a place in the kingdom? The criteria for being judged worthy are very clear—it is how we have served those most in need. This is what will count. If we do not see Christ in our brothers and sisters in need, then our faith is blind and will not lead to the kingdom.
There is another aspect of this gospel that should not be overlooked. It is the apocalyptic vision of the Son of Man coming in glory and reigning over all the nations as King. To the King belongs the right of judgement and reward or punishment. While Matthew’s community was in the ‘in-between’ time, the evangelist held before them the central truth that the Son of Man, the King, will come again in his glory as judge.
During his life, Christ was not a king in a political or autocratic sense. Far from it. The subjects of his kingdom are called to service with the marginalised, the poor and the powerless.
How does your community engage in this service? How might you and your family become involved?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What is your response to those in need? How do you practise your faith in practical ways?
To be a shepherd in the ancient world was seen as a lowly occupation. Most often the work was done by a hired hand who felt no responsibility for the sheep. But the owner of the sheep exercised both authority and care. Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and his sheep know him.
Share an experience of being in need and having someone respond to that need. Did it change the way you respond to others in need?
We may not know people who are literally hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or in prison, although billions of our brothers and sisters fall into these categories. But we all know people who are in need—emotional, financial, spiritual. This week, make a point of doing what Jesus urges in this gospel—tend to someone in need.
Repeat this week’s psalm acclamation often: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Today’s feast of Christ as Universal King is a modern one. It was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as a challenge to the secular world.
It would be interesting to discuss with the group the historical context of the introduction of this feast: the decline or destruction of some kingdoms and empires post-WWI, increasing secularisation and consumerism, the growing separation of Church and state, the rise of socialism and its anti-religious ideology, etc.
What may Pius have been attempting to say to the world with this feast of Christ as Universal King?
If the Church were to introduce a new feast to initiate dialogue with the world today, what might it be? What may the Church need to be saying to our modern times?
This feast also marks the completion of the Church’s liturgical year. Next Sunday we begin Advent and the reading of Mark’s Gospel.
Discuss the cycles of the liturgical year, the colours of vestments worn at different times, and the special feasts and festivals celebrated, as well as the importance of ‘ordinary time’ in the yearly cycle.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for connecting the Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
As a group, is there a way for you to put your faith into action and join in an activity highlighted in today’s gospel?
A suitable focus for prayer may be an icon of Christ in his glory from the Eastern tradition. Burn a candle and incense before this image of the King. Recite together today’s psalm. A suitable song could be ‘Christ is the King’ (GA 389). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97E, which speaks of the Lord who dwells on high but looks on the lowly.
Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man on his way abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third, one; each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out.
The man who had received five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more. The man who had received two made two more in the same way. But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Now a long time after, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more. “Sir,” he said, “you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown that you can be faithful in small things, I will trust you with the greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”’
(Matthew 25:14–30, abridged)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
A Jewish talent was a very substantial sum of money. A shekel contained about 14.5 grams of silver; a talent contained more than 43,000 grams! It was about the price of an ox.
Being an absentee landlord was as common in the time of Jesus as it was in later history.
The ‘talents’ are not equally distributed. In God’s plan, all are endowed with different ‘talents’ so that we will recognise our need for each other and practise generosity, kindness and the sharing of the abilities we have.
EXPLORING THE WORD
In today’s gospel, Matthew develops the theme of what it means to be living in the in-between time. The Master has given the servants ‘talents’ and on his return they will be judged according to how they have used those talents and whether they have followed his instructions. A talent was a standard measure of currency in the Near East, and a very large sum indeed. In fact, each servant has been given a treasure. Two perform well, but the third is paralysed by the fear of taking a risk and hides his talent away. His excuse is that he knew his master was an exacting man and so he refused even to try. He condemns himself by not responding to the demands of the master. This gospel challenges us to drop our false notion of God as an exacting master, to appreciate the gifts we have been given, and to use and develop them for our good and the good of others.
What are some of the images of God we may have? Examples include shepherd, judge, Father, nurturer, rock, king, guide.
Explore together some of the biblical images or metaphors of God presented in the Hebrew Scriptures.
How may our image of God influence the way we respond to the invitation to enter the kingdom?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What are your talents and gifts? How do you use them?
When do you feel like a ‘good and faithful servant’?
What image of God is presented in this passage? Is he the stern task-master who judges harshly, or the generous one who entrusts great treasure, which must be used wisely so that it will grow?
What is your image of God? Spend time in reflection on this question this week.
Share stories of times when you were too afraid to take a risk. What was the outcome? How do you feel now about opportunities lost through being overly cautious?
This week, use your talents explicitly for the good of others.
Repeat the first two verses of Psalm 127 often this week: Happy are those who fear the Lord. O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. By the labour of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
From earliest times, the Church has recognised the range of gifts in the community of believers and encouraged the use of a variety of gifts. For centuries, men and women have made their unique contribution to the life of the Church. Even the simplest person has a contribution to make—remember the apostles!
Read together 1 Corinthians 12:1–11.
Ask catechumens to reflect on the particular gifts and talents of their family members. What contribution does each make to the welfare of the whole?
Talk of the ways that members of your community use their particular gifts and talents in various ministries and services.
Why is it good that many rather than a few contribute to the life of the community?
How can you use your particular talents and gifts to build up the community and the kingdom?
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for connecting the Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Try to identify the particular gifts or talents that are needed in the various ministries of the parish community? Can the gifts and talents in the group be matched to these needs?
Are there ways we are able to extend or develop the gifts God gave us?
Use an oil lamp and open Scripture, or perhaps a treasure chest or jewellery box, as a focus. Pray for each other and the growth of faith in service. Pray for all people who use their gifts for the good of others. A suitable song may be ‘We are called’ (GA 514). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
Jesus told this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, “The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.”
At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out.” But they replied, “There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves.”
They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord! Lord!” they said, “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.”
So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’
(Matthew 25:1–13)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
A solemn procession from the house of the bride’s father to the house of the bridegroom was an important part of the Jewish wedding ceremony. These bridesmaids are a ‘guard of honour’ to greet the groom on his return with his bride. Sometimes problems with the marriage contract or the unhurried exchange of gifts between families led to long delays in their return.
Jesus referred to himself as a bridegroom (Mark 2:19–20), and the Church is sometimes referred to as the bride of Christ.
EXPLORING THE WORD
As the public ministry of Jesus draws to a close, Matthew introduces the themes of delay and the need to be ready for the second coming of Christ. Matthew’s community were living in the ‘in-between’ times. Christ’s victory over death through his resurrection had begun a new phase in history, but it was not yet complete. Completion would only come with his return in glory.
We again hear the familiar imagery of the messianic banquet or wedding feast to which all are invited. But only those who live with an attitude of openness and readiness will come into the great hall.
This parable speaks strongly of the need to live in the present with an eye to the future. We cannot live only for the ‘now’ with no thought for our ultimate goal, nor can we ignore the sufferings and responsibilities of the present and set our hearts only on heaven.
How well do you balance the spiritual and practical realities of life?
In what ways are you ready for Christ’s coming in baptism?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
The lamp oil represents those resources we have to meet the challenge of being ready: our actions, our faith, our service to others, our prayer, how much we have loved. It is not that the sensible virgins are being selfish; it is simply that this kind of oil—the way we live our lives—cannot be exchanged. We have to rely on our own resources to be ready.
Think about the priorities in your own life. What are the activities that take up your time and energy? Are they the kinds of activities that prepare you to meet the bridegroom?
Share stories of times when you put a great deal of effort into preparing for an occasion or an event. Did the preparation pay off?
You might also remember times when you left things to chance or were unprepared. What was the result?
Alternatively, you could ask how catechumens envisage their future and what preparations they are making now to ensure this vision becomes a reality. Do we only consider our financial or economic future?
Pray these lines from Psalm 62 this week: O God, you are my God, for you I long; For you my soul is thirsting.
Reflect on your own longing for God and your journey towards him.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Among the most difficult to understand of the Church’s beliefs are the things of the afterlife—of judgement leading to reward or punishment. ‘The New Testament speaks of judgement primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1021). Those who die in God’s grace are rewarded by living in ‘the state of supreme, definitive happiness’, which is to ‘be with Christ’ (CCC, §§1023–4). Those who die in God’s friendship but ‘imperfectly purified’ undergo the final purification of Purgatory (CCC, §1030ff), which is entirely different from the punishment of hell. Hell is that state ‘of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God’ (CCC, §1033).
Have copies of pages 266–75 of the Catechism for the group. Use these as a basis for discussing these difficult issues. Other questions will arise—for example, what happened to limbo?
Place stress upon the notion that our human destiny is to share in the fullness of life with God; to become all that we were created to be.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for connecting the Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What opportunities for prayer, reflection or retreat are offered within your community to help keep track of life’s priorities? Are there ways catechumens can tap into these opportunities? Is it possible to arrange an extended period of reflection and prayer for the group?
Use an oil burner and open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. Pray for those close to you who have died. Pray for each other as you journey together. A suitable song might be ‘My soul is thirsting’ (GA 42). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97G, which asks that catechumens receive the gift of eternal life.
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’
Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the prophets also.’
(Matthew 22:34–40)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The commandment that Jesus quotes first is part of a famous Jewish declaration of faith known as the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord, our God, is one …’ This text is written out and placed inside small boxes called mezuzah, which are placed on the door posts of Jewish homes. Each time a person passes through the door, they touch the mezuzah, thus making this declaration of faith several times a day.
The second commandment quoted comes from Leviticus 19:18. Both statements are part of the Jewish Law.
The term ‘the Law and the prophets’ implies the whole teaching of Judaism. The books of the Law, known as the Torah, are the first five books of the Bible, often called the Pentateuch.
EXPLORING THE WORD
This is the final public encounter between Jesus and his enemies in Matthew’s Gospel. They are seeking to expose his lack of professional knowledge of the Scriptures or to trap him into giving more weight to one of the Ten Commandments, which are viewed as equally important. Jesus cuts the ground from under them. No one could argue with his answer!
But if the dual command of love was present in the Jewish Law, what new thing did Jesus bring? His originality places love of God and love of neighbour together. It is not possible to love God and despise people. God and the human situation are intimately interwoven. This is shown most perfectly in the person of Jesus himself: Son of Man and Son of God; fully human and fully divine. Followers of Jesus must also embody the dual commandment of love.
Do you find it easier to love God or love other people?
Are there ways you can make your response to the great commandment more balanced?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Do you struggle with achieving a balance between the two commandments? Is it easier to love God and ignore those around you, or are you drawn to people but find it difficult to be truly attentive to God?
The term ‘love’ can be overused and undervalued in today’s world. Discuss some of the abuses of the word ‘love’ that are common.
At the end of each day this week, spend a few moments reflecting on how you experienced God’s love today and how you extended God’s love to others.
In his first letter to the Corinthians (13:4–6), St Paul describes what love is like in a beautiful passage in his first letter to the Corinthians. Pray over these verses this week and contemplate their meaning: Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, to endure whatever comes.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
We may sometimes feel that the call to love others as ourselves is egotistical. Yet the greatest spiritual writers of the Church have always insisted that knowing and accepting ourselves is a first step to knowing and loving God. Christians believe that although we are wounded by sin, we are created in the image and likeness of God and have been redeemed by Christ, so we are fundamentally good and worthwhile. Unless we appreciate this truth about ourselves, it is difficult to see and love the good in others and to relate lovingly to God.
Take some time to reflect on the qualities you see in yourself that are good and worthwhile. Perhaps you could write these down and use them during the prayer.
Discuss some ways that the Church publicly responds to this call to love God and love our neighbour.
The call to love our neighbor has a global dimension in our modern age. Explore the work of Caritas Australia to see how the Church carries out this call globally. Their website offers many resources you could use.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
The words ‘with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’ express the totality of the response to God that Jesus calls for. This is balanced by the command to love our neighbour, whomever that may be, as ourselves. Both of these are needed in our faith. Loving God while ignoring our brothers and sisters, especially those in need, is a hollow faith.
Reflect on the qualities you see in others in the group who journey with you. Perhaps you could tell each person one quality that you discern in them.
What are the qualities of the parish or community to which you belong? In what ways do these qualities bring life and contribute to the strength of the community?
What are the ways in which your own qualities can contribute to the community?
Using the papers on which participants have written the qualities of the people in the group, offer a prayer of thanks for those gifts and qualities and pray that they will flourish and grow. A suitable song could be ‘They’ll know we are Christians’ (AOV 130). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97C.
