Peaceful Times
The Least Ones
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
“Whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren you did it for me.” Matthew: 25:40
Who are the poor? Who are the thirsty? Who are the hungry? Who are the strangers and naked among us? Who are the ill and those in prisons? When I think of the poor, the thirsty, the hungry and the naked, I immediately think of the homeless or the beggars on the street corners that are really down on their luck or those stuck in a dark, prison cell or jail. The least ones among us are the homeless and those who live on the streets and in prisons. However, there are also the least ones that we sometime do not recognize among us. Who are they?
For me, they could be members of my own family. Those family members who are lost, lonely and are hungering and thirsting for the Light of Christ. Perhaps they could be the person sitting next to me in the pew at Church longing for someone to acknowledge their pain and loneliness. It could be that angry driver that just cut me off and presented me with an avalanche of vulgar words. It could be the grocery clerk who is filled with anxiety, heartbreak and feels no one really cares.
The least ones are indeed the helpless babies in the womb whose very life is threatened by abortion. The least ones are those who are suffering silently from the effects of having an abortion. The least ones are the elderly that are trapped in a sea of loneliness and feel abandoned.
Jesus words are very serious when he says: “Amen, I say to you what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me. And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:46
Jesus is asking us to be His Light to those who are in need of the Savior's touch of love, compassion and forgiveness. Some of us are called to serve the poor at homeless shelters and food banks and to provide them with financial assistance. But we are all called to see the dignity of each person made in the image and likeness of God. We are all called to help those who just need a little smile, hug or encouraging word and a listening heart.
Everyday Jesus presents an invitation for us to care for the 'least among us.' Let us respond to His invitation.
Reflection:
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Jesus remove the blinders from our eyes and direct us to look beyond ourselves and see our brother or sister in need today.
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About the Author
Connie Beckman resides in Helena Montana with her husband and their dog Chewie and their two cats Heidi and Bailey. A number of years ago, she was the editor and feature story writer for a small bi-weekly newspaper. Connie has been published in a number of Catholic magazines. Margaret Ann Stimatz, Ruth Lloyd, and Connie co-authored a 40-day-reflection booklet entitled: Mercy for Little Souls which contains tidbits about the late Father Stu Long's powerful ministry with quotes from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In My Soul. Mercy for Little Souls is available at Beyond.227.org. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects. "Go out to all the world and tell the good news." Mark 16:15.
