Matthew 25:40
"Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers you did for me."
Some of you may remember the infamous character Eddie Haskell from the classic TV show "Leave it to Beaver". Eddie was the smooth talking, neatly groomed friend who knew exactly what to say and do when the adults were around, but as soon as the adults were gone out came the shallow and sneaky character that he truly was.
In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the sheep and the goats. Those who have clothed the naked, fed the hungry, and visited the imprisoned will inherit the Kingdom. Those who have neglected to do these things, are cast into the fire.
Here's the catch. Both groups, those who acted righteously and those who didn't, both respond to the King in the same way: "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?" And to both groups the King responds: "Whatever you did (or did not do) for one of the least ones, you did (or did not do) for me.
Like Eddie Haskell, I'm sure that those who neglected the least ones would have acted differently had they known they were being observed. Can we say the same for ourselves?
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Dcn Drew Woodke, Fourth Theology
Home parish: Nativity
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Almost two months until my ordination!
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