First Reading
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
1. “As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep.” How does the following statement by Pope Francis relate to this line from the First Reading? Does it relate to you?
An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. Evangelizers thus take on the “smell of the sheep” and the sheep are willing to hear their voice.
2. According to this reading, what kind of shepherd is the Lord God? If this reading has a message for people in Church leadership positions, what is it? What can you do to “bind up the injured and heal the sick”?
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
1. “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Name some signs of “death or serious illness” that you see in the world, or the environment? What can you do to restore life? How can you help Christ accomplish the task of destroying death?
2. What are some of the many forms of violence in the world today? How can you help Christ challenge them?
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46
1. This king is the almighty and glorious God who comes to heal, seek out and bind up. Why did he come into the world in solidarity with the poor, wear thorns for his crown and have a cross for his throne? Can you relate on a personal level to a very rich, brilliant leader? How about to a poor and suffering one?
2. We have a king who heals and binds up wounds. What does he ask us to do? “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” Christ uses our generosity as a criterion for salvation. How is it also a standard for happiness? What happens to you when you give?
