You Did It to Me: Monday, the First Week of Lent

'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

In the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46, we find "The Judgement of Nations". Here, Jesus describes the final judgment, where he separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The criteria? How they treated the "least of these", the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the imprisoned. Our love for God is inseparable from our love for others. Acts of kindness, even the smallest ones, have eternal significance because Christ identifies himself with those in need.

Jesus is not asking for grand gestures but for simple, daily acts of compassion. Kindness, according to Jesus, is not just about being polite, it is about recognizing his presence in every person, especially in those who are overlooked, ignored, or rejected by society.

Connecting to the Theme: The Lost Art of Kindness

In a world that often places personal success over the well-being of others, kindness can seem secondary or even unnecessary. But Jesus shows us that kindness is not an extra, it is the measure of our discipleship. Every moment offers an opportunity to choose compassion.

If we find ourselves too busy to notice the needs of others, too quick to judge, or too caught-up in our own concerns, Lent is a time to pause and reset. Today, we are invited to rediscover kindness in the way Jesus defines it: as a response to the sacred dignity of every person.

Think About It

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) was one of the greatest preachers and theologians of the early Church. He was the Archbishop of Cabstantinople as well as a Doctor of the Church. He was a defender of the faith and a champion of the poor. He famously wrote:

"If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice."

This reminds us that kindness is not optional in the Christian life—it is at the heart of our faith. Every act of love toward another is an act of love toward Christ Himself.

Let Us Pray

"Lord, help me to recognize You in those I meet today. May I not turn away from opportunities to show kindness, no matter how small. Amen."