Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18, Ps. 19:8-10,15, Matthew 25:31-46
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus pictures Judgement Day. Jesus’ message echoes God’s warning to the children of Israel in today’s First Reading: “You shall not defraud your neighbour; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a labourer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind…. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great…” (Leviticus 19:13-15). Let us consider some lessons in today’s readings:
1. Wipe the Bloody Face of Jesus: In the sixth station of the cross, Christ speaks: “Can you be brave enough to wipe my bloody face? Where is your face? You may ask, and I will answer: At home, whenever eyes fill up with tears, at work when tensions rise, in the streets and remote places, wherever suffering exists, my face is there, and there I look for you to wipe away my blood and tears.”
2. Store Your Treasures in Heaven: We are kind to the rich and powerful because we hope to gain from them later. Humans are naturally ungrateful (Remember the ten lepers?) People never remember the good things you do for them; they only remember the pain you caused them. Jesus wants you to be kind to the weakest and the poorest because they can never repay you. This way, God would repay you. (Cf. Matthew 6:19-20)
3. Respect the Weakest: Jesus emphasised the “least” of my brethren. Respect to those who cannot defend themselves. For instance, the unborn babies, your workers (employees), service providers (cooks, labourers, etc.). God says: “The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.” How can you owe your workers their wages, and while lying to them that things are hard, you spend millions at nightclubs and spray dollars at your friends’ parties?
4. Don’t Be Surprised on Judgement Day: The irony in Jesus’ parable is that those who passed the test did not know they were being tested. “Lord, when did we see you in these conditions and minister to you?” Those who would make heaven are naturally kind, people who help others without thinking of it or expecting anything in return. Unfortunately, such persons are not churchgoers. They may have never heard the Gospel, yet they live it out daily.
5. Be Holy as God is Holy: Holiness is not necessarily sinless. Holiness means “set apart” or “different from others.” When God says we should be holy, He wants us to avoid worldliness. Do not steal. Do not take vengeance or bear grudges. Do not hate your fellow human being. Love your enemies. Are these too difficult to keep? Remember that practice makes perfect.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see you in the face of the hungry, the sick, the naked, the oppressed, and the abandoned. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of the 1st week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18, Ps. 19:8-10,15, Matthew 25:31-46).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu