They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Matthew 25:44-45
Good morning! This is a hard passage to read, especially if you read the whole chapter! Jesus is stating the high expectations that God holds on each of us. The obvious message from the words of Jesus is to literally do the things listed with feeding the hungry etc. In this world of ours, there are tons of opportunities to act upon the literal interpretation of this verse.
I’ve been thinking this week, though, that there are more subtle ways to act upon the commands of Jesus – beyond just the obvious ways he listed. Who are the “least of these” in your life?
For example, the lunch lady at school may not be very high on your pecking order of importance. Or the obnoxious kid who sits beside you in Science. Him or her, you’d love to see get a new seat! Without our own awareness, we tend to compartmentalize the people we regularly encounter. Friends – important! Annoying kid from Science – not so much. We all have a group of “least of these” in our lives!
While we don’t need to make everyone our best friend, I do think that the words of Jesus can apply to our daily encounters. How do you treat “the least of these” in your life. Do you even notice them? It’s easy not to.
Simple acts of kindness have a ripple effect way beyond what we can see! Practice “noticing” people this week – and responding to them in kind ways. Your own life will feel more purposeful and joyful, and you are spreading the love of God in the process!
Have a blessed week!
Diana
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