“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” (Gospel for Nov. 26, Mt 25:44-45)
The capacity to help those in need begins with clearness of vision. Are we sometimes blind to the plight of others? Do we find ourselves saying, “Lord, when did we see you…?” We must first see the “least ones” in our midst, and then recognize the face of Christ in them. Only then can we respond in love to provide the care they require. Lord, grant us the eyes to see.
This month, I challenge you to raise your own awareness of those in need by learning more about efforts to help the poor in your community. Second, I challenge you to support the Food for Families or Coats for Kids Faith in Action program.
Do you sometimes turn a blind eye to the poor? Do you try to recognize Christ in every human person you meet? Are you hesitant to share your blessings with others who have less?