The Least of These

I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. (Mt 25:45)

How often do I have a chance to help someone but choose not to? How often do I ignore those in need? How often do I not even notice? Too often! I am selfishly absorbed in my own wants and comfort. I choose me over others. But in this passage Jesus is telling us that the heart of a true Christian is focused on others. And who are those others? Who are “the least of these?” They are the invisible ones, the nobodies who have nobody to care for them. God forgive me for retreating to the comfort of my home with hardly a thought for those in need. I may write a check, but I assume others will get involved in the messy business of people’s lives. But Jesus had something more personal in mind than that. Jesus loved the unlovable. As much as the miracles or the great teaching, it is what defined him. Society’s greatest outcasts found hope and comfort in him. Lord, I want to be like you. Forgive me for ignoring “the least of these.” Teach me to see them as you see them, and to love them as much as you have loved me. Amen.

An Overflowing Offering

Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. (Ex 36:6-7)

What pastor ever had this problem? We need an epidemic of generosity in the church. We are rich, but we hold onto our “stuff” too tightly. And many of us are stingiest of all with our time. Lord, forgive me for being selfish in how I decide to spend my time and my energy, as well as my money.

How to Help Jesus

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. (Mt 25:35-40)

How often do I do any of these things? Not very often! I am convicted that I do way too little to help people in need in our society. It may be true that Christians as a group are more generous than society at large, but too many of us aren’t doing anything. What if the whole church were truly engaged? Great things could be accomplished! Lord, forgive me for selfishness.

Give What You've Got

Andrew…spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves…” (Jn 6:8)

I’ve always wondered why Andrew would have brought this boy forward. Were they canvassing the crowd to see how much food people had brought? Today the wonderful thought occurred to me that the little boy might have brought it forward on his own to offer it to Jesus!