Word to the Wise
Monday, March 10, 2014 - 1st Week of Lent - Mon
[Lev 19:1-2, 11-18 and Matt 25:31-46]"Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you? And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' [Matt]
This dialogue takes place in the scene of the Last Judgment in the Gospel of Matthew - a scene so vividly painted by Michelangelo on the wall of the Sistine Chapel in Rome! I find that its meaning is best illustrated in the Gospel of Luke in the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus [Lk 16:19-31]. Dives (the rich man) does not "see" Lazarus in any sense of the word "see" until it is too late!
Note the word "see" in today's gospel! "When did we SEE you hungry and feed you....?" Those who do so are counted among the righteous. Notice, too, that "to see" here means to be moved to act. So it is not just a matter of "looking at" but includes the all-important reaction of compassion expressed in action! Perhaps we could spend Lent learning how to truly "see" the hungry, thirsty, naked and imprisoned, and the newly arrived stranger? This could change our lives far more than a forty day fast from whatever we are "giving up!" I know I would rather hear the words, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father....!" AMEN