Carried Back Home

A Reflection on the First Reading for November 22nd, 2020:
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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Ezekiel
34.11-12, 15-17

Thus says the Lord God:
“I myself will search for my sheep,
and will seek them out.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock
when he is among his scattered sheep,
so I will seek out my sheep.
I will rescue them from all the places
to which they have been scattered
on a day of clouds and thick darkness.

“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep,
and I will make them lie down,”
says the Lord God.
“I will seek the lost,
and I will bring back the strayed,
and I will bind up the injured,
and I will strengthen the weak,
but the fat and the strong I will destroy.
I will feed my sheep with justice.

“As for you, my flock,” thus says the Lord God:
“I shall judge between one sheep and another,
between rams and goats.”
​

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

This upcoming Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, and in the first reading from Ezekiel we hear the prophet allude to Christ coming as the Good Shepherd. In our current time we do not have much firsthand experience of either shepherds or kings, however from what I know of them, it would be rare for someone in either role to come in contact with the other. Kings are central figures, rich and living in high places and governing their people with power, authority, and, ideally, great kindness, who provide their people with direction, security, and identity. Shepherds are peripheral figures, poor and on the margins of society, who care for their flock and live amidst communities to provide warmth through shearing wool and nourishment and religious offerings by their sheep and lambs.

Christ embodies both identities, in His being fully God and fully man. As God, He has the power and authority of the King of Kings, and His Kingdom is just and abundant in riches. He has a place for all who belong to Him, who are righteous and good, and He protects those who are under Him. In His incarnation, in becoming man, He chooses poverty and life among the people who are furthest from Him, who need mercy and close guidance to lead them to the centre — to His heart. As the Good Shepherd, Christ enters the messiness of human existence — unafraid of our messy woolen coats full of dirt and manure. He seeks out the lost sheep and carries them back home to safety, where they will find healing, love, and communion. He comes as an infant, vulnerable and entrusting Himself to Mary and Joseph’s care, in the midst of a dangerous world — and He grows up to become the sacrificial lamb Himself and enables us to become members of the Kingdom of God.

Christ, as King and Shepherd, reminds us of our identity and restores it to us. Baptized in Christ, we are children of God who are invited to inherit the richness of the Kingdom of God — to participate in the life and love of the Trinity. It can be difficult to remember and realize this, especially during “day(s) of clouds and thick darkness” when we feel “scattered”. Yet, the King is approaching, the Shepherd is coming, the Child is already in the womb of Mary with a heart that beats for you. The Light will soon pierce the darkness, and in the final week of this liturgical year, we can ready ourselves to enter a new Advent with renewed hope and anticipation for the return of the King.




K.L.

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