Called

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Called

Least     Brothers

Feeding     Clothing     Visiting

You Did For Me

Inheritance

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Matthew 25:35-36

When I was hungry, you shared some food with Me.

When I needed something to drink, you shared that with Me.

When you did not even know Me, you welcomed Me.

When I had nothing to wear, you found clothes for Me.

When I was feeling ill, you came to visit Me.

When I was locked up in a jail, you showed up to comfort Me.

Reflection

This week, during a Morning of Prayer, we reflected on the meaning of a passage from Matthew 25. 

Jesus challenges us in this section from the Gospel of Matthew to "walk the walk". We can't just talk and write about the Gospel, we have to live it each day through our actions.

In our day we see so many examples of this. In many areas besieged by the horror of wars, we see people responding with food, clothes, and housing. 

We know that war is wrong. We know that violence is not the answer.

The reaction of so many people to the slapping incident at the Oscars is so instructive. People were offended by a performer coming on stage and assaulting a comedian. 

It tells us that we all know that this is not the way to resolve a conflict. When one country attacks another, we know there are much better ways to bring opposing sides together.

The victims of war are the innocent. We see millions of people displaced from their homes in so many areas of our world. We see families split apart. Hospitals and schools that should be healing and educating people are reduced to rubble.

We wonder when people will learn the lessons of Jesus: we are all children of God and we should treat each person as if that person were Jesus because Jesus dwells in each of us.

Jesus calls us to act in a radically different way: to reject violence and killing and to provide for the needs of each and every person.

We cannot look down on any person and dismiss them and turn away from them when there is a need. If we do that, we are turning away from Jesus.

Kathy's picture this week is from the entrance to the Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson. Those who are seriously ill are comforted and consoled. Their families are able to be present and to surround their loved one with kindness and caring.

The staff there sees each patient and family member as Jesus. They accompany them with sensitivity and gentleness.

They have been called.

So are we!

1. Do you find this passage from Matthew to be a challenging one?

2. Can you remember a time when you were hungry, thirsty, naked, ill, or imprisoned and someone reached out to you?

3. How have you responded to the horrors of war?

4. What goes through your heart as you ponder the picture of Good Shepherd Hospice?

5. How have you responded to the Call to see Jesus in those who come to you in need? 

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)