The word “thronos” (θρόνος), translated
as a throne, is easily associated with a seat of power especially of the kings. As the Church honors Christ the King on this last Sunday of the liturgical year, today’s gospel (Mt 25:31-46) refers to him as the Son of Man coming “to sit on his glorious throne” (v31). Here the Son of Man derives from the eschatological figure who ushers in the final age in Daniel (7:13; cf Is 53:7-11) and exercises the power of judge at the final judgment embracing all peoples (v32). But in v34 and v40 the Son of Man is called “the king.” This title continues the motif of Jesus’ kingship that began in the infancy narrative (see 1:1, 20; 2:2, 13-14) and will be further exploited with irony in the passion narrative (see 27:11, 29, 37, 42). Here we see Jesus as king in full glory. Although he presides as judge, he is simply executing the plan of the Father (v34).
But the kingship of Jesus, despite its attendant glory and power is different from that of any other. Like Yahweh the shepherd in Ezekiel (cf 1st reading), He is the shepherd and provider of his people. Just like a shepherd in Palestine, he separates the sheep from the goats since the goats need to be kept warm at night (because the cold harms them) whereas the sheep prefer open air at night. Since the sheep are more valuable, they are given better treatment in the parable (vv33-34).
Considering the parable contextually as a judgment scene, the process is summarized in the final verse: the wicked go to everlasting punishment and the righteous to everlasting life (v46). The scene comes after three parables about preparing for the coming of the Son of Man (24:44-50; 25:1-13; 14-30). In each case, everyone knows that the master/bridegroom will come eventually no matter how long he may be delayed. In the meantime what is demanded is constant watchfulness. In this test, the wicked servant, the foolish maidens, and the fearful/lazy steward fail. But the faithful servant, the wise maidens, and the enterprising stewards succeed.
But what is the basis for this final, definite, and eternal judgment? The key to inheriting the kingdom is responsiveness to the evangelical precept of love (vv35-36, identified later as the Corporal Acts of Mercy). The judgment is not based on sinful versus non-sinful conduct or a decalogue morality but rather on the willingness to provide providential care for others and the extent to which the authentic good of others has been pursued. The precept of love of God and neighbor (22:37ff) are blended in such wise that love of neighbor becomes love of God.
We still have the gift of time now. Which crowd are we in? On the right or the left of his glorious throne? Now, not only can we change but we can help others. This King of ours is so humble that he associates with the lowliest- ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’. Let us ask Jesus to reign in us so that we may be able to imitate him and let us pray: Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done!
Amen!
