Lenten Reflection 3 – Rev Sunny Kim

Matthew 25:37

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?”         

This verse comes from the Parable of the Great Judgment in  Matthew chapter 25. In this parable, on the judgment day, the Son of Man divides all the nations into two categories. Those who are put in the “sheep” category hears the Son of Man say that they are blessed because they welcomed, fed, and clothed him when he was in need. They ask him, “When did we do all those things?” He answers that whatever they had done for “one of the least of these who are members of my family” is what they had done for him.

From this parable, we learn that commitment to follow Jesus inevitably includes practical forms of service to others, all God’s children. I heard the dating wisdom that says, if you want to know what kind of person you are dating, you should observe how they treat those in service industry, such as waiters and shop keepers. These are some of the examples of “one of the least of these” that Jesus mentions in this parable. Jesus said that we would be judged by how we treat the “least of these” members of our society.

The purpose of our Lenten spiritual practices is to become faithful people of God who live by the gospel teachings. Because it is not easy to live a selfless life of humility and service, we need spiritual disciplines and training. For the remaining duration of this Season of Lent, let us focus on praying for God’s guidance so that we can serve and help the “least of these” members of our world. Let us worship God with our acts of charity and works of justice for all God’s people.

 Loving God, thank you for the gift of hospitality. Awaken in us the desire to welcome and serve freely and generously all of your marginalized children.

May God bless you and keep you during this pandemic and the Season of Lent, and sustain you with God’s love. Amen.