“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’” [Matthew 25:37-40; The Message]
What are you talking about? The sheep were surprised to hear the King say, “I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was homeless, and you gave me a room. I was shivering, and you gave me clothes. I was sick, and you stopped to visit. I was in prison, and you came to me.” The “I” is what confused the sheep. They had never done these things to the King. But alas the “I” is not the King, but humanity. The sheep were attentive to the needs of others. They noticed when someone needed help. They noticed injustices and set them right. They noticed what was happening beyond their own concerns. What about us? Are we only focused on the recognizable person in power and making sure they know we are “good people.” Or do we, as the king said, do these things for those overlooked or ignored in our neighborhoods and cities? May we be like sheep, not keeping track of when we helped others, for we are to see Christ in all others.
Prayer
Loving God, you generously pour your love into me. Help me not to squander this love on just myself. Help me to realize that I am to be a vessel of your love, generously pouring your love into this world. Amen.
