Lent Wk 1: Monday 19th February, 2024 February 19, 2024

Reflection on the WORD

Faith in Deeds: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims that when we each face God’s Judgment when we die, the main question we have to answer is, “How have we used God’s abundant blessings and Love for the good of others?”  Ponder on: Do we justify with “later”, “why me?” excuses, in our responses to serve God’s Will in the needs of others?

Matthew 25:31-32a, 34-40

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Son of man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All nations will be assembled before him. Then the King will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.” 

Then the upright will say to him in reply, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome, lacking clothes and clothe you? When did we find you sick or in prison and go to see you?” 

And the King will answer, “In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.”

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches us a very important lesson on loving our neighbour and being responsible for the needs of others. We are accountable not only for our wrongdoings, but also for the good we have failed to do.
  • On Judgement Day, God will gather all peoples and judge us in His Wisdom.  God would want to see if we have shown true compassion and mercy to our neighbours, especially those in need.
  • Jesus readily welcomes repentant sinners. Ask Him to purify our hearts that we may learn to treat our neighbours with greater mercy and love as Christ has treated us.