you did it for me"
Matthew 25: 31-46
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112623.cfm
(I apologize for the contrary color of the reflection on the page this weekend. I'm trying to work out a better format for the center. God bless you for your patience.
According to a former secret service agent who served under President John Kennedy in the 1960’s, the President made it known that he would prefer the agents (bodyguards) keep a distance from him rather than stand close in obvious protection. Apparently, the first lady requested the same.
The reason was not to foolishly play with dangerous possibilities but rather the President did not want to have any barrier between he and the people of this country. He felt it was far better to have direct contact with the citizens rather than to appear as a distant or uncaring leader, somehow remote from those he served and represented. Sadly, that distance was respected on that fateful day when the President was killed in 1963. Because of the large crowds, and the now sunshine that broke through after rain, the President requested the protective clear “bubble top” covering on the limousine be removed so that he could be more easily seen as he was driven past the adoring crowds. A well-intentioned choice that proved to be fatal.
However, the intention of the President was to be close and personally involved with the citizens. To show his care and concern for them. We are accustomed, though, to viewing such leaders and distant royalty with all sorts of protection and all reason to enjoy the trappings of their position far removed from the average citizen. Historically, we have seen such rulers who squandered their wealth at the expense of the general populace. Think of King Lous XVI in France for example. While some rulers have done otherwise, those who live in luxurious surroundings and are given unquestioned power, obedience and luxury can easily remain above it all and unaware of the needs of others.
This beautiful Feast that we celebrate this weekend at the end of our liturgical year presents to us a ruler who is not at all distant from those he rules. In almost lyrical poetic imagery Jesus uses in our Gospel this Sunday, we hear of our call to care for the suffering and the disadvantaged: the hungry, the thirsty, the unclothed, those in prison, the stranger, the sick. Why? Because in them the ruler, Christ Jesus the King, himself exists. Unlike any human leader, this Shepherd is so deeply in love with his flock, that he personally identifies with the suffering of each sheep. “Whatever you did to the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
This is not a King who wastes his wealth, who ignores the distress of others, who remains above and far distant from those he rules. But a King of compassion, mercy and love who has no barrier of protection but rather who is literally up close and present to all who follow his rule and walk in his ways. A God who is deeply involved in our lives and who knows our choices and motivations.
The clincher is that this is not just a poetic inspiration but rather a clarion call to see not only our relationship with this King and Shepherd as essential to our final judgement but also to view one another in the way this Divine Shepherd views us. To be compassionate, aware of, and courageously available to relieve the suffering of those in need when we identify them. To give ourselves not out of a sense of guilt or even obligation but rather out of a sense of love and compassion. How we do so, or not, will have eternal consequences.
The separation of the sheep and goats is symbolic of where we want to spend eternity: Forever united with Christ or eternally separated from him. In the joy of Heavenly bliss before the face of God, or forever divided from God as a result of our selfishness or uncaring towards others we find ourselves in that same isolation in Hell? “What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me. And these will go off to eternal punishment but the righteous to eternal life.” There isn’t much gray area to the lesson of this parable of Jesus, is there.
While this parable reveals much about the God we worship, who cares deeply about each of us, finds us hopefully all standing on the right side (the sheep) of the nations gathered before the King at the final judgement, it may also create a bit of guilt that we have not been as interested or caring about those who suffer.
As Bishop Barron reminds us, this parable teaches us that this is not some reminder to say I love humanity in general but a specific call to love individually; to love this person who is homeless, to serve that person who is hungry, to assist in the healing of this sick man through our compassion for them. Though the judgement is general, the call of Christ is specific. If you want to find a good examination of conscience before going to confession and a way to respond to our need for conversion, Matthew 25 would be a wonderful choice.
While I may not be able to join all sorts of organizations who serve the needs of the poor and suffering, we most certainly can take our heads out of the sand and begin to recognize my self-centered tendencies and respond to the call for conversion by stepping outside our box of comfort and security to show more identification with those who have far less: the homeless, those on the streets, the immigrant, the poor, etc. Some of our brothers and sisters in this condition may even be neighbors or members of our own family. Try giving where it is not requested or showing kindness to the handicapped or elderly. Jesus desires to redirect the social order from and ego centered existence, which leads to isolation and depression, to an other-centered focus for society built upon our faith in God, which brings happiness and peace.
St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa, likely is the clearest embodiment in our modern age of our Gospel this Sunday. Her very example is counter that where the secular world, which has turned away from God, sees value: in power, wealth, position, abundance, and beauty.
Mother Teresa offered us a simple image to remember our sensitivity for the “poorest of the poor.” Holding up her hand and counting on five fingers she said: “YOU - DID – IT – FOR – ME.” Nothing more need be said – only action. Eternity depends on it.
Almighty ever-living God,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of the universe
grant that the whole creation,
set free from slavery,
may render your majesty service
and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Mass)
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