Today’s Gospel:  Matthew 25:31-46

REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel is the third of three illustrations regarding the return of Christ to earth. Whether or not they were all spoken in sequence as one lengthy discourse, is of little importance. The entire sermon of illustrations could have been delivered at one time or, this could be another example of the way in which Matthew collected his materials, to reproduce them at a time thought suitable by the author. The Holy Spirit desired them where they are, for together they present a complete picture of what will take place in the end times. The Parable of the Ten Virgins emphasizes entry into the kingdom. The Parable of the Talents speaks of eminence within the kingdom. The message about the judgment of the nations stresses explanations throughout the kingdom. The whole may be summarized as follows. (1) What we shall do; (2) What we shall be; (3) What we shall understand.

The Lord used the common illustration of the sheep and goats. These animals still graze and run together in Israel just as they did when Jesus was upon the earth. The goats are generally black, and the sheep dirty white; they are easily distinguished either from the other. It should be noticed that the decision of the judge was final; there was no court of appeal. It is also interesting to note the King said to the saints, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” God knew those for whom preparation was being made. Even from eternity, God was aware of what would happen ages hence, and never at any time was He taken by surprise. Compared with the omniscience of God, man’s intellect is as nothing. It should behoove him therefore to consider carefully every message sent by the Almighty.

The people or nations which “fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the prisoners,” must have had great motivation. Are we justified in assuming that they helped God’s people because they first loved God? It is worthy of thought that generous donations, social importance, and other embellishments are never mentioned by the King. He spoke of mundane things; of unspectacular events often considered unworthy of mention; He never spoke of ostentatious acts of splendor; instead, He spoke of hungry and naked people requiring assistance, sick people needing healing, and lonely prisoners needing comfort. He identified Himself with the most helpless of earth’s citizens and indicated service to them was a service to Him. Perhaps in this strange but delightful way He was emphasizing that often “the first things in life would be the last, and the last, first.”

The story is told of St. Martin of Tours. He was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold. Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier’s coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in two, and gave half to the beggar man. That night he had a dream. He saw the heavenly places, and Jesus in the midst of the angels. The Lord was wearing half of a Roman soldier’s cloak. One of the angels said to Him, “Master, why are you wearing that battered old cloak? Who gave it to you?” And Jesus answered, “My servant Martin gave it to me.” When we learn the generosity which, without calculation, helps men in the simplest things, then we too will know the joy of helping Jesus Himself.”

Today’s Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

PRAYER
Lord, we can’t actually see you, but we can see you in our fellowmen, especially those in need of help since you love them most.  Allow us to show our love for you by loving them first.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.