The Good Samaritan -- Art of Marza
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
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? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25: 34-40 NRSVue
One of the biggest issues in the upcoming American election is illegal entry into the country by migrants from the south. The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, has been criticized by Republicans for not doing enough as Vice-President to stem the tide. It's so interesting to hear about the Christians along the border who provide sustenance and shelter to these migrants, to their legal peril, while others speak of them with contempt and act as though they aren't even human. Some of those Christians who have heeded the voice of Jesus have been physically threatened, arrested, and jailed for their actions. I admire their courage.
Refusing to hardens our hearts is a radical act. Perhaps we should be reading the passage above and the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37) every week to remind us of Jesus' compassion and practical love.
2 comments:
Yes, we do need reminders ....
It's sad, somehow, that interacting with the last of the Shakers is akin to looking at the last of the white rhinos, or some other near-extinct species. That sounds like an interesting experience, Judy.
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