This week's readings Week of Nov. 24 - 30 Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002 Reading I: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17 Reading II: 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28 Gospel: Mt 25:31-46 Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 Reading I: Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5 Gospel: Lk 21:1-4 Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 Reading I: Rev 14:14-19 Gospel: Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 Reading I: Rev 15:1-4 Gospel: Lk 21:12-19 Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002 Reading I: Rev 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a Gospel: Lk 21:20-28 Friday, Nov. 29, 2002 Reading I: Rev 20:1-4, 11--21:2 Gospel: Lk 21:29-33 Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002 Reading I: Rom 10:9-18 Gospel: Mt 4:18-22 Pope's Prayer Intentions November General Intention That widows and widowers find comfort in Christian communities: That widows and widowers feeling the pain of loneliness find comfort and support in their Christian community. November Mission Intention For the spread of the Gospel via the mass media: That Christians by their active participation encourage the spread of the Gospel via the mass media.

Live like a king:
Love and serve others

		Word of God  Word of Life  Fr. John G. Stillmank

The euphemisms "live it up" or "live like a king" conjure up images of wealth and opulent living, luxuries, spending lots of money or having all your whims satisfied.

We might dream of doing that on a special occasion such as an important anniversary or upon receiving a job promotion, and at other times in our lives when we wish to celebrate.

"The spirit of Jesus' teaching includes 'teach the uneducated or those with special needs,' and 'protect women and children who are in danger.' We can add these things and others to ways in which we serve others and thus act in a kingly way toward our brothers and sisters."

Having all our whims satisfied or enjoying an opulent lifestyle focuses more on ourselves than on others, and really that is not what being a king used to stand for. The king of a country was someone in whom his people could believe. He had a vision for the country and was a rallying point. He gave his people courage and worked hard to provide for their needs.

Of course not all kings were this kind of good king. Many misused their positions to fill their own coffers, ignoring the pleas of their people for tax relief and assistance in times of famine. But then, these "kings" were not living in a truly kingly fashion.

Readings for Solemnity of Christ the King (Nov. 24, 2002) Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 Matthew 25:31-46

A true king is one who has the interests of his people at heart, uppermost in his mind. In this way, each of us is called to be like a king, especially like Christ who is our Eternal King. Putting others' needs first, especially for the poor and vulnerable, is what it really means to live like a king.

How can we recognize the actions of those who are like Christ in his role especially as King? Jesus gives us a blueprint: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, visit those who are ill or in prison - do these things for those who are our least brothers and sisters.

There are many ways to do this in the local community and even in the wider national community or global village. Locally, where as individuals we can have the greatest influence, we can contribute to the food pantry. We can work to protect clean water. We can take part in our community's activities to welcome newcomers, and to make the local scene a place which is friendly and helpful to those in need who are strangers.

We can give our unused but good clothing to Saint Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army. We can volunteer in the hospital or check out how people in the local jail or prison could benefit from our volunteering. There are many ways we can use our time and talents to serve the needs of others.

The spirit of Jesus' teaching includes "teach the uneducated or those with special needs," and "protect women and children who are in danger." We can add these things and others to ways in which we serve others and thus act in a kingly way toward our brothers and sisters.

There are always people who need help learning to read - help them! There are always women and children in every community who are in danger in various ways - protect them! What other things can we think of to help others where they are and with what they need?

The true king has the needs of those in his care at heart. We who are disciples of Jesus act in a kingly way when we use our time and talent - and even our treasure - to serve the needs of others in the community.

If we follow the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel in this way, he will say to us one day soon: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

Fr. John G. Stillmank is Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Madison and pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Verona, and St. William Parish, Paoli.