So
much to be thankful for. I am thankful for religious freedom = that we can pray
today with no problems.
In
our world - 60% of countries: religious freedom is compromised. That is 116 out of 196 countries.
Mosul,
Iraq – had 60,000 Christians, none left – first time in 1,600 years, no Mass in
Mosul.
In 2 weeks – Princess Kate & Prince William are coming
to America. Future King and Queen of England. Buckingham Palace has issued
guidelines to the press:
The palace website, for example, cautions photographers that
they “should not photograph” royals “while they have food or a glass in
their hand or during a meal,” although, the website allows, “it is quite in
order for a photograph to be taken during a Royal Toast, or immediately before
food is served.”
Journalists are only allowed to take photos during speeches
, “for the first minute after they start talking”.
You are also not allowed to film or photograph a royal ‘at
prayer’.
We have a picture of our King at prayer – sign over his
head – INRI – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews – yes – our king – the One who gave His life
for us
Soon we will sing at Christmas – this, this is Christ the
King - whom shepherds guard and angels sing. -
the King who became one of us!
Our King speaks to us today. Very famous teaching MT 25.
Those who heard it for the first time were both surprised and
frightened:
1)
The King is Jesus
2) Criterion of judgment is not following 613 laws but how they helped
the needy 3) The King takes their treatment
personally!
Church calls them the corporal works of mercy – Feed the
hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Visit the sick Visit the imprisoned Bury the dead
In the end, it comes down to this: The dignity and value of
each human person. When we see others,
can we see the face of Christ?
Religious Ed teacher – very creative. Students came into
class and there were darts sitting on the table and a big target on the
bulletin board. Teacher said to draw a
picture of someone you didn’t like and you could throw darts at their picture.
Pictures were tacked over the target and off they went. Some threw the darts so
hard that they were ripping the target.
Finally, the teacher said stop – then removed the pictures, then the
target from the bulletin board. Underneith was a picture of Jesus. It was
mangled, filled with holes, rips all over his face. All the teacher said – “whatever you did to
the least of my brothers and sisters, you did to me.”
