28 THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: [On Judgment Day, Jesus will say to the righteous:]“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him and say, “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 of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-40) Jesus invites us to recognize him in the people around us who need help. Reaching out to help others is our response as Christians to what our Lord asked us the day before his death: I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). Today, the Church has chosen an especially beautiful Gospel passage for us. It is an answer to our doubts, at times when we think that Jesus is far away. In fact, Jesus is constantly giving us the opportunity to meet him through faces other than his! Let’s listen carefully and hear him explain that. And to show that we truly believe what Jesus says, let us act as witnesses to the Gospel whenever we have the opportunity. Remember that you are in the presence of the Lord: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Monday
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