Today's readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8-10, 15; Matthew 25:31-46
Today we are reminded that Lent is not only a time to give
things up, but is a time to do penance in all forms...and one of those is
alms-giving...Jesus calls us to serve those especially who need the most help.
It seems very clear that in order to be saved we must do something. Jesus welcomes those who feed the poor, clothe the naked, etc...and turns those away who do not.
It is interesting that both groups ask when they did, or did not do, those things. In both situations, he says that it is in the way we relate and live with others that we relate and love Him. It is important that we are able to see Christ in others. Our faith in Christ MUST move us to love!
I think of conversations I have had with my students. We discuss often that we are to live out the Sacraments by loving and serving others. But, sometimes it seems hard to truly see Christ in the most vulnerable. On paper it seems that we can do that, but once we get put in a position of having to help someone, sometimes we make comments or have facial expressions of disappointment-telling them that we really don’t see their dignity. Or maybe we are asked to work on a project with someone who gets on our nerves or has a different view of the world, and so we are upset during this time or don’t trust or work completely with that person. We are supposed to see Christ in them also.
Two amazing stories I think of people really seeing Christ in the vulnerable is Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and a company called Mercy Ships (there are many others-but these came to mind).
A story was told to me (I don't remember who it was so I can't give proper credit). They said there was a bishop that went to visit Mother Teresa and was in his room praying. He could not concentrate because of a terrible stench outside, so he shut his blinds. As he continued praying, the stench got worse so he went to see what it was. When he was looking for what was creating the stench, he noticed that Mother Teresa, old and fragile, went and picked up a man (who was causing this stench). As she was carrying him inside said, 'My Lord Jesus, welcome to my home.' She was sincere...and people who do similar work talk about how they have to see the wonderful dignity of all people and when they are able to...love and care is their number one thought...to show that person that they are wonderful and worthy. Conversations with anyone become a time of shared joy, and people are no longer viewed by their needs, but as another child of God.
The Mercy Ships are similar. The nurses and doctors pay to be part of this ministry. They travel the coast of Africa and offer free exams; eye surgeries; they take out tumors; and many other things. I saw this on 60 minutes. They interviewed one of the nurses and it blew me away. She said that when she first came she had a hard time really seeing the beauty in anyone they helped. But, she has been there for a number of years and she said it is so easy to see their dignity. Her instant thought is no longer how deformed the person is, but a new relationship that she gets to develop with another beautiful person. She wants each person she meets to understand their dignity. She says that she looks honestly and lovingly into their eyes and tells them through her care and conversation that she cares for them as a person...not as a patient. Most people they help don’t speak English, but they feel that connection and friendship.
Again, there are many other groups of people that do this.
It seems very clear that in order to be saved we must do something. Jesus welcomes those who feed the poor, clothe the naked, etc...and turns those away who do not.
It is interesting that both groups ask when they did, or did not do, those things. In both situations, he says that it is in the way we relate and live with others that we relate and love Him. It is important that we are able to see Christ in others. Our faith in Christ MUST move us to love!
I think of conversations I have had with my students. We discuss often that we are to live out the Sacraments by loving and serving others. But, sometimes it seems hard to truly see Christ in the most vulnerable. On paper it seems that we can do that, but once we get put in a position of having to help someone, sometimes we make comments or have facial expressions of disappointment-telling them that we really don’t see their dignity. Or maybe we are asked to work on a project with someone who gets on our nerves or has a different view of the world, and so we are upset during this time or don’t trust or work completely with that person. We are supposed to see Christ in them also.
Two amazing stories I think of people really seeing Christ in the vulnerable is Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and a company called Mercy Ships (there are many others-but these came to mind).
A story was told to me (I don't remember who it was so I can't give proper credit). They said there was a bishop that went to visit Mother Teresa and was in his room praying. He could not concentrate because of a terrible stench outside, so he shut his blinds. As he continued praying, the stench got worse so he went to see what it was. When he was looking for what was creating the stench, he noticed that Mother Teresa, old and fragile, went and picked up a man (who was causing this stench). As she was carrying him inside said, 'My Lord Jesus, welcome to my home.' She was sincere...and people who do similar work talk about how they have to see the wonderful dignity of all people and when they are able to...love and care is their number one thought...to show that person that they are wonderful and worthy. Conversations with anyone become a time of shared joy, and people are no longer viewed by their needs, but as another child of God.
The Mercy Ships are similar. The nurses and doctors pay to be part of this ministry. They travel the coast of Africa and offer free exams; eye surgeries; they take out tumors; and many other things. I saw this on 60 minutes. They interviewed one of the nurses and it blew me away. She said that when she first came she had a hard time really seeing the beauty in anyone they helped. But, she has been there for a number of years and she said it is so easy to see their dignity. Her instant thought is no longer how deformed the person is, but a new relationship that she gets to develop with another beautiful person. She wants each person she meets to understand their dignity. She says that she looks honestly and lovingly into their eyes and tells them through her care and conversation that she cares for them as a person...not as a patient. Most people they help don’t speak English, but they feel that connection and friendship.
Again, there are many other groups of people that do this.
But, what about those of us who are not living one of those
specific ministries? How do we take care
of those most vulnerable and in need? Do we help with disdain in our hearts, or
do we have a true desire to connect with all people? Do we believe we are
giving but not intending to receive anything, or do we understand that we are
also in need of something and can receive that love back?
It does not matter who you are...you need others to help and love you through your journey. No one is better than anyone else. We must remember that when we meet Christ face to face we will see how we built or harmed the kingdom. We must be conscious at all times to see Christ in every person we meet. We are called to show the love of God to everyone...even if we meet that person for only a brief moment.
Today let's practice seeing Christ in others. Show a family member that they are important. Offer up you lunch for a co-worker or another. Keep your head up and smile and say hello to everyone you pass. There are countless ways to love Christ in others.
It does not matter who you are...you need others to help and love you through your journey. No one is better than anyone else. We must remember that when we meet Christ face to face we will see how we built or harmed the kingdom. We must be conscious at all times to see Christ in every person we meet. We are called to show the love of God to everyone...even if we meet that person for only a brief moment.
Today let's practice seeing Christ in others. Show a family member that they are important. Offer up you lunch for a co-worker or another. Keep your head up and smile and say hello to everyone you pass. There are countless ways to love Christ in others.
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