WHO IS MY LEAST BROTHER OR SISTER? ~ CookingFood.Org

“GENEROUS LENT 2017”

Lenten Reflections

Monday, 6^thMarch 2017.

First Week of Lent

Lev 19: 1-2, 11-18;

Ps 19: 8-10, 15;

Mt 25: 31- 46

WHO IS MY LEAST BROTHER OR SISTER?

Lent is a time of renewal, renewing our attitudes to do more good and avoid more evil. It is a call to go beyond our human way of looking at things and to look at the whole life and our relationships with others, through the eyes of God. Often we are content to look at ourselves and think that we are holy, because we don’t sin like others. But today we are called to go beyond, to not only avoid sin, but to grow in virtue and grace.

Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus will ask us what we did to the least of our BROTHERS and SISTERS? It’s interesting that Jesus specifically points to the person considered the least, as opposed to a more general statement that includes all people. Jesus pointed to the least brother. Perhaps, especially, as the most sinful person, the weakest, the most gravely ill, the incapacitated, the hungry and the homeless, and all those who have pronounced needs in this life. The most beautiful and touching part is that Jesus identifies Himself with the person in need, the “least” of all. By serving those in special need, we are serving Jesus. And by showing such an intimate connection to them, Jesus reveals their infinite dignity as persons.

Let us reflect upon the dignity of each and every person. Who is it you look down upon? Who is it you judge? It is within this person, more than any other, that Jesus waits for us. He waits to meet us and to have us love Him in the weak and the sinner. Let us commit ourselves to love and serve them, for in them we will love and serve our Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I do understand and believe that You are present, in hidden form, in the weakest of the weak, the poorest of the poor and in the sinner in our midst. Help me to diligently seek You out in each and every person I encounter, especially those in most need. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

Holy Habit for Lent: RESPECT – Lord help me to learn the habit of RESPECT, May I respect all people with dignity and respect. Amen.