Ordinary Time

Pause

“If God had a face what would it look like? […]
What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' to make his way home?”

Joan Osborne, “One of Us”

This 90s pop song poses thought-provoking questions. What does God look like? How do we know if God is in our midst? Would we recognize Jesus if he were sitting beside us? The Spirit of God is in our midst today, but do we take the time to see God there?

Let us take time now to focus on being people of God who recognize and welcome Jesus, not only in our hearts but also into our daily living.

Listen

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’"

Matthew 25:37-40

Think

When was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty? When was it when we welcomed, clothed, and visited you? Jesus tells the people, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, who are members of my family, you did it to me.” If we are looking for God in our midst, Jesus points us in the direction to find him: look to those who are the least. Who are the least in your community? Maybe there is someone in your school or work. Who can you help out today? Let’s welcome Jesus into our hearts by caring for those who are in need around us.

Elizabeth Cluff

Pray

God of Compassion, help me to see you in my midst. Help me to see you in those people who need help from me most. Give me wisdom and guidance to know how best to serve them. Amen.

Go

Where do you see God in your life today? Go out looking for God in your midst. Say hello to your Lord!

If you don’t see God, then maybe God is calling YOU to be Jesus for someone else. Open the door for a stranger, put down your phone to say hello to the cashier at the store, help someone out just because.

Wherever you go, God is sending you there for a reason!