Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Ian Peoples, SJ, reflects on drawing close to the king who says, “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Based on the readings for Sunday, November 22, 2020.
I can’t really tell who that is…I think it’s Jesus?
Hi, I’m Ian Peoples and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
Even the people we know and love best are unrecognizable if we are too far away. It’s easy for me to recognize my mom if she’s across the room from me. It’s much harder for me if she’s across the street. Impossible if she is across the block!
My point is that we need to draw close to those we love in order to recognize them.
That’s what Jesus exhorts us to do in today’s gospel. You cannot feed the hungry without drawing close to them. And visiting the sick and imprisoned is the very act of drawing near. In drawing close, we come to see them for what they are: sick, suffering, but most importantly, we recognize they are God’s Beloved.
How can you do this today? Perhaps make eye contact with that man you see every day begging for change on the corner. Even if you don’t have money to give, give him the gift of a smile. Ask him his name. Perhaps pack an extra bottle of water to share with him.
These are small acts, but they affirm the dignity of God’s people in a big way.