MONDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT
Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mt 25: 31-46
INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH YOUR DEEDS
A Christian is one who does not only worship Christ but tries his/her best to live like Him. How do you live like Christ? We find the answer in today’s Gospel. The Son of Man will come and sit on His glorious throne as all nations gather before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. The ones on the right are given the inheritance of the Kingdom, which was created since the foundation of the world. As for the people on the left, the Son of Man asks them to depart from Him. The criteria for this division is simple: the deeds performed during the earthly life.
Today’s Gospel encourages us to make a difference in society. It inspires us to reach out to those in need and help them in whatever way we can. Even though our world today has progressed in terms of knowledge and technology, hunger, poverty, lack of medical facilities, and lack of education, remain major issues in society. As Christians, we must make a difference in these areas. Because, at the end of the day, it is important to remember that the God we serve helps everyone regardless of who they are. He never expects anything in return. When we help someone in our lifetime, however, He blesses us with rewards we cannot even imagine.
This reward is the difference between the people who are on the right and on the left. The Son of Man mentions to the people on the right that their helpful nature has earned them an inheritance in the Kingdom, while the people on the left are asked to depart because they ignored the cries of the needy. Thus, when we see someone in need, let us not turn away our face. Instead, let us offer a helping hand. By doing so, we will not only bring a smile to their face but will also fulfil God’s mission, making us eligible for the inheritance of the Kingdom.
Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.
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