Listen

“Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’”

Matthew 25:37-40

Think

There’s a saying: “Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it is heaven on earth.” In other words, be you, freely and whole-heartedly. It’s good advice, and I like it. The focus, however, is on the self. In today’s parable, Jesus’ focus is on the other. It’s a pivotal shift, one that is marked by a Christian understanding of humanity.

Of all the ways we stand out for our faith, may we shine for the ways we treat one another. When we care for each other, we show that we care about God. More specifically, we care about the people for whom God cares deeply. Faithful living is that simple: in all we do, we do it in the name of the Holy One whose love extends to all, especially those in our society who have been ignored and dismissed.

In your midst there is someone whose life experience is like “the least of these.” May today be the day we turn our energies and attention on those who need it the most.

Aram Bae

Pray

God, I confess it’s an easy habit to become narrowly focused on my own needs. Strengthen a different kind of spiritual habit. Turn my attention on someone who is in need of a listening ear and encouragement. Open my eyes and heart to tend to someone who could use an extra dose of your kindness and love. I’ll do it, Lord. Use me. 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.