A155 - Reign of Christ (Ezek 34; Ps 100; Matt 25:31-46)

On the last week of the lectionary year, Fran and Robyn delve into the way the reign of God is described in these readings. Ezekiel 34:11-24 imagines God as a shepherd who protects the sheep, unlike the priests Ezekiel condemns as having failed as leaders. Matthew presents the Son of Man as a judge who will separate humanity as a shepherd divides the sheep from goats on the basis of ethical or righteous behaviour. Both texts convey God as a “king” concerned for justice. The Psalm speaks of the joy of entering God’s presence - balancing the image of judgement in Matthew. We mention this book by Meghan Henning: https://www.amazon.com.au/Educating-Early-Christians-Through-Rhetoric/dp/3161529634