Ordinary Time

Pause

Jesus our Redeemer, teach us this day faithfulness.

Jesus our Friend, inspire us to act with kindness and mercy.

Jesus the Christ, calm our spirit in the ways of grace and peace.

Listen

“Now when the Human One comes in his majesty and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his majestic throne. All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them from each other, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right side. But the goats he will put on his left.

“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’"

Matthew 25:31-36

Think

Today’s passage has something to say about our spiritual DNA. As people of the Christian faith, we believe that the divine imprint is within each and every one of us. All people are made in God’s image. It’s a view of humanity that involves an inherent connection to God. The Holy One resides in you and in me, an ongoing mystery that perplexes the human mind.

What is even more mind-boggling is Jesus’ assurance that we will receive an inheritance “that was prepared for you before the world began.” The eternal blessing was in the works for us well before our own existence. I cannot fathom this kind of divine love. But I sure am blessed because of it. And so are you.

So, on this day, so long as there is breath in our lungs and the grace to call it another new day, may we live into this blessing and truth. The divine imprint resides in every single human being. May that truth impact the way we treat one another, taking care of each other, as Christ lives in each and every one of us.

Aram Bae

Pray

Lord, I confess that it is easy to judge people, forgetting that the spirit of the Holy One resides in each and every human being. Help me when I forget. Help me to see with your heart of grace and mercy, so that I am part of the holy change in this world. Amen.

Go

May Jesus the Christ bless you and keep you.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

And may Jesus the Christ lead you on this day in the path of wisdom and peace.

And all of God’s people said,

Amen.