When did…?

40 Shades of Lent by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Monday, First Week in Lent, 10 March 2025
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18     + + +     Matthew 25:31-46

Then the righteous will
answer him and say,
"Lord,
when did
we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did
we see you a stranger and 
welcome you, or naked
and clothe you?
When did
we see you ill or in prison,
and visit you?"
(Matthew 25:37-39)

How I long and pray
I would someday be asking
this same question to you,
Lord, totally surprised,
wondering what happened
when all I did was do something
naturally as second nature,
without much thinking and ado
in being kind and charitable,
in responding to anyone who is
hungry or thirsty,
stranger or naked,
ill or in prison.

You are so great,
dear Jesus in teaching us
not to think of kindness and
being Christian as a list to be
kept and checked always
but simply a way of life
in doing what is right,
what is good
for we are all your kin
in one God and Father
who is Lord of all
(first reading).

Then they (the accursed)
will answer and say,
"Lord,
when did
we see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or ill
or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?"
He will answer them,
"Amen, I say to you,
what you did not do
for one of these least ones,
you did not do for me"
(Matthew 25:44-45).

Forgive us,
Jesus when our being
Christian is more on duties
and tasks like a code of ethics;
teach us to be utterly different
from others as your followers
reflecting the Father and his love
in a whole new way
especially in this time
when everyone seems
to be so cold and numb
even callous
with others around them;
animate us with your
warm presence
of joy and love
to everyone
for them to realize
there is one true Lord God
above all.
Amen.