FEBRUARY 23, 2020 - "WHAT A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME"

On this MEATFARE SUNDAY, we are presented with an inspiring message of profound importance. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs us of His standard of judgement. He informs us "Whatsoever you did to the least of these My brothers and sisters, you did to Me."

Who are these "least brethren" that we are to minister to? The Lord identifies them in the Gospel narrative: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger (homeless), the naked, the sick, the imprisoned - folks in our neighborhood adn in our world. How are we to minister them? By meeting their needs - with food, water, shelter, by comforting, by visitation - in a word, by caring and doing what we can to alleviate their dire needs.

Helping such people is a satisfying work, in itself. Such ministration to others leaves a warm feeling in our souls. But, there is a much more to this activity. What we do people in such circumstances, we do unto Christ Himself! Imagine the impact of that identification. Our Lord, in a way, identifies Himself with the poor, the homeless, the sick, the suffering. And, even more, the result of such a caring praying life, is to be embraced by the Lord in eternity.

Christ is the One who set an example for us. We have been given our instructions: "Love one another, as I have loved you." Will we follow them?