Monday of the First Week of Lent
Reading and Reflection
In this
chapter of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the Last Judgment. This discourse
comes right before Matthew's account of the Passion and the
Resurrection. Jesus was describing how we will be judged at the end. He
will separate the just from the unjust. To the just he will give the
Father's blessing and tell them they inherit the Kingdom because they
have fed him, clothed him, comforted him and housed him. Of course his
audience asked, 'when did we do that, Lord?' He answered this way: I
assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did
it for me."
When I was a girl, Lent was all about personal sacrifice and piety. We
did daily Stations of the Cross, weekly confession, missions and 'giving
up' that which we felt we couldn't live without. (My sister and I gave
up candy but we really should have given up movies!)
In today's church, since Vatican II, Lent is more about social justice:
how can we live God's desire in our every day activities? As Our Lord
directs us in this Gospel, we are to take care of the least of us (the
poor, ill, disenfranchised). As a friend of mine reminds me, the way to
heaven is to do daily corporal works of mercy no matter how small that
might be. Anything from a smile and a kind word to a pro-life march will
fit the bill! Amen to that! PH
Reminder: Rice Bowls are in the Narthex
with great suggestions for Lenten sacrifices.
Be sure to fill out the card at Mass this weekend and pick up your
packet for the 2008 Year of growing in God's grace.
