“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Todaywe celebrate the feast of an unusual kind of king. Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,does not run his kingdom in the standard fashion. Instead of insisting upon the pomp and circumstance that usually surrounds earthly royalty, Jesus has a different focus. He thinks not ofhimself, but of those he loves. And in today’s Gospel, his interest is especially focused on the poorand suffering in our midst.

Proverbs gives us the example of a very industrious woman and also reminds us that so much ofwhat we think is important passes away with time. The reading uses the example of a woman, butit just as easily applies to men: Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears theLord is to be praised.

St. Paul tells us that the master will come unexpectedly; life is serious and we should not wastetime. We are all call to exercise a ministry within our community.

In the first reading, we are given a description of what we are to do with Wisdom. So, what does the word Wisdom mean to you and I? Is it like a profound form of knowledge? Is it something that automatically comes with age? They say "With age comes wisdom." How does wisdom benefit us? What is the true source of Wisdom? What does Wisdom, in a biblical setting, refer to? These arequestions we must find answers to because our relationship with God depends on it!

Who doesn't desire the praise and respect of others? Who doesn't like to be recognized or to be praised? We want others to see us at our best with all of our strengths and achievements, rather than at our worst with all of our faults and shortcomings.

Prophet Malachi in the first reading of today calls the attention of priests who prefer the praise and respect of people rather than giving glory to God. He says "If you do not listen, if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name; says the Lord of hosts. I will send a curse upon you and your blessing I will make a curse." Prophet Malachi condemns the attitude of priests who have abandoned true worship and service of God for self-praise and fame. In the days of the Prophet Malachi, many priests had lost the true meaning in the worship of God.