Sermon on Meat fare Sunday Matthew 25:31~ 46 2024/03/10
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
God told the people through the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel:
“Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11)
This is God’s passionate desire for us sinners. If we forget this and listen to today’s gospel, we will not be able to help but tremble.
Christ teaches this.
When Christ Himself comes for the Last Judgment, all the people will be gathered together and divided into right and left, like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. And He will tell those on the right. “You fed me when I was hungry, you gave me drink when I was thirsty, you sheltered me when I was traveling, you clothed me when I was naked, you visited me when I was sick, and I was in prison. So inherit the kingdom of God.” When people asked Him, “I don’t remember doing that for you,” He answered, “When you were kind to those who were in such trouble, you did it to me.”
Next, Christ says to those who are divided on the left. “Depart from me, you cursed, and enter into eternal hell.” You did not clothe me when I was naked, and you did not visit me when I was sick or in captivity.” the people on the left ask in surprise. “When was that?” “Many times you have met people who are in such trouble. But you did nothing for them, and it means you did not do it for me. Leave me and go to eternal hell.”
What a terrifying word! For those who honestly look at their own lives and hearts, this is a terrifying proclamation that cannot be ignored. However, at that time, we must remember God’s passionate love for us, which I introduced at the beginning.
“As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?”
Christ is not pronouncing punishment on us sinners for our evil or for living in a way that has forgotten our love. Christ God, who tells us this parable, teaches us that we are free people, able to change in response to the wishes of God’s love; in other words, Just like God, who reveals himself “ As I live”, we too know that we are “alive” and that we are capable of “changing our lives.” After all, that’s how it was made. He continues to call out to us passionately and patiently, with hope.
But at the same time, He also know that we are sinful, weak, and disobedient to God. Christ sternly, but with great love, appeals to us, asking us not to leave God and die like the goats. He is not coldly proclaiming that He will finally punish you according to your way of life.” I want to invite all people to the kingdom of God. That’s my only wish. I don’t want anyone to go to hell, nor do I intend for it.” That is the truth of God’s love.
So, is this parable a fabricated story that Christ purposely told in a frightening way in order to urge people to repentance? Is the teaching of “judgment”’ nothing more than a childish threat that “the bad guys will go to hell and face horrible things”?
That’s outrageous. God never takes pleasure in people dying or suffering. He is the one who calls us to life and waits for our return, asking, “Why should you die?”
If we do not respond to such a desperate call from God, and to the incredible love of God that is embedded in that call, it is tantamount to locking ourselves up in hell burning for eternity. The intensity of God’s love is the reality of hell for those who reject God, who do not even love their neighbors.