As we come to the end of our liturgical year, we find the images of Christ as Shepherd and as King. In the first reading for today, the prophet Ezekiel portrays an image of Christ as a loving, generous, and thoughtful shepherd, eager to heal the injured sheep, find them when they are lost, and give them rest when they are weary.

Jesus also spoke of himself as the Good Shepherd and the sheep gate. Ezekiel’s image is of God as a caring shepherd who keeps the sheep together, heals their injuries, or tends them if they are sick. St. Matthew, in his gospel, presents Jesus as a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. Mercy and charity will be the standards for determining one’s entry into the future kingdom of God.

In the final judgment as King, Jesus will ask for an accounting from the people of all the nations. Did we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit and comfort people, take care of one another? Did we follow the directive Jesus gave leading us to eternal life?

Christ the Shepherd-King clearly identified himself with the poor and the lowly. Christ is King and the anointed one of God. Jesus hasn't only taught us what we should do and live but is the one who lived what he taught. He showed his love, compassion, and forgiveness to sinners, he healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and brought glad tidings to the poor. And finally, he died for our sins.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: “At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me to eat … I was naked and you clothed me … I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread but hungry for love, naked not only of clothing but naked of human dignity and respect; homeless not only for want of a room of bricks but homeless because of rejection. This is Christ in distressing disguise."

As we celebrate the end of the liturgical year, let us keep in mind today’s lessons: That Jesus is both Shepherd and King, and that by cooperating with him and following his teachings and commands, we will be prepared for judgment and for eternal life with him, and with God.

Let us close this homily with a story: Roy Popkin tells a true story about an old man who collapsed on a Brooklyn street corner and was rushed to Kings County Hospital. After some amateur detective work, a nurse located what seemed to be the man's son, a Marine stationed in North Carolina. When the Marine arrived, the nurse said to the old man, "Your son's here." The old man, now heavily sedated, reached out his hand feebly. The Marine took it and held it tenderly for the next four hours. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine take a break, but he refused.

About dawn, the old man died. After he died, the Marine said to the nurse, "Who was that man?" The nurse responded, "Wasn't he your father?" "No," said the Marine, "but I saw he was dying and needed a son, so I stayed."

I would like to conclude with the words of the comedian and actor Bob Hope: "If you haven't got charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble."

St. Joseph's Church Downtown is open with the usual schedule of weekday and weekend Masses, sacraments, and ministry. Because of increased coronavirus cases locally, social distancing, hand-sanitizing, and the use of a face mask are observed during church services, in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Danke Schoen, San Antonio Liedekranz!

We were honored to have The San Antonio Liederkranz with us today for the 11:00 Mass. Their singing lifted our hearts and added to the joy of the celebration of Christ the King. The Liederkranz was founded as The Men's Choir of St. Joseph's Church in 1892 by Fr. Henry Pfefferkorn.

In keeping with the Covid-19 protocols of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Holy Communion is to be received reverently in the hand at this time. Unless you are members of the same household, you are asked to keep social distancing of six feet between yourself and others. Please sanitize your hands before coming forward to receive the Body of Christ.

Faith Formation

Virtual classes are now being conducted on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30. If you have not registered your child(ren) and wish to do so, please call Beatrice Bailey at 210-227-0126, ext. 210. No classes, of course, on Thanksgiving!

Loving and Caring

The parishioners and friends of St. Joseph's came through magnificently in this year's Respect Life Diaper Drive and the Thanksgiving Food Drive for baskets. We thank all who contributed diapers, baby wipes, and donations to support St. PJ's Children's Home. Special thanks to Lizette Eckman for organizing this effort.

Grand Lady Antoinette Franklin and Vice Grand Lady Grace Banks coordinated the Thanksgiving Food Drive to make the holiday more festive for those who are in need and struggling financially. Non-perishable food items and gift certificates were donated. Our thanks to Antoinette and Grace and to all who shared so generously.

Thursday, November 26, is Thanksgiving Day. The schedule is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions, 9:00-9:45am; Mass at 10:00. There will be no noon Mass that day. God bless you and all your loved ones!

Videos of Masses

Videos of Sunday Mass and other Masses from St. Joseph's are posted on YouTube at the St. Joseph Church Downtown Media page. The Strelchun Family and John Francis are doing a fantastic service for those who are unable to be with us at this time.

Supporting St. Joseph Church Downtown

Remember that you can support St. Joseph through our parish website (https://stjsa.org/) or Give Central (https://www.givecentral.org/location/935).