In message for Solemnity of Christ the King, Bishop focuses on Jesus as king, shepherd

In his message for the Solemn Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., focuses on Jesus as both King and shepherd — as judge and protector — and asks the faithful to consider the authority of Christ.

“The Kingdom of God presumes a king.  For us as Catholics, that King is the Lord Jesus Christ,” the Bishop writes. “Do we think of him the way that the Gospel presents, as a judge of our actions, or do we prefer the image of the loving shepherd?  The fact of the matter is that we aren't that familiar with either kings or shepherds. What we are familiar with is authority — and both king and shepherd exercise it.”

Bishop O’Connell also suggests that we can best experience Christ’s authority by following his example.

“The authority of Christ the King is both the loving mercy and care of a shepherd watching over his sheep, as well as the judgment that moves them in the right direction. Jesus Christ is that kind of shepherd and that kind of king.  And his authority can best be experienced by following his loving example: meeting the needs of one another in love, charity and mercy.”

You can read this Bishop’s full message , “King, shepherd and judge,” here.