Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
At the beginning of Dante’s Paradiso – the third part of his Divine Comedy – the narrator (also named Dante) finds himself soaring at great speed through the immeasurable expanse of heaven. Wondering aloud how he finds himself flying amidstthe stars, Dante exclaims:
My mind…
… is now amazed anew: how can I rise
In my gross body through such airy substance?
God had willed that Dante see paradise so that he might through his poetry illustrate God’s plan, His ultimate desire for humankind. Therefore He gives Dante this new point of view in the heavens, from which the poet/narrator can see the world, and all of creation, anew; his sinful nature has been purified, allowing him a foretaste of the glory that awaits the blessed.
In this week’s Gospel for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Jesus speaks of the same blessedness that rewards those who have lived in His love. Jesus tells us that the same question of God’s plan lingers for the righteous and the unrighteous as it did for Dante: How does God bring the souls of His Kingdom to heaven?
Our Lord’s story points us to answers. Those inspired by love will let it grow within them and shine forth through them, demonstrating to others the hope of living with God eternally. On the other hand, those whose sinful natures prevail, foreclosing themselves from living out the call to love God and neighbor, are left to their own designs and ultimate destruction. We learn, along with Dante, that only when we shed the weight of our sinfulness can our souls be free to fly toward God. Living in the desire to move to Him by bringing God to others in charity – helping them with the spark of divine love in our hearts – we participate in the mystery of God’s plan. We then imitateHim in His gift to us, a gift fulfilled ultimately in Christ.
We pray that our work at Seelos Brauhaus helps all of our brothers and sisters to see that mystery of God’s love in action, opening their eyes like Dante to see anew God’s creation and His charity. Sharing our brews and our fellowship – perhaps by giving drink to the thirsty as Jesus commands – may we therefore be inspired by that same love of our Lord and King to let it shine through us like the light of the stars, pointing hearts and souls toward His eternal glory.
- Deacon Michael A. Cardella, Chaplain
