Monday of the First Week of Lent – February 19, 2024

Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click HERE for the readings.

Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew 25 is the basis for our seven traditional corporal works of mercy.

• Feed the hungry.
• Give drink to the thirsty.
• Shelter the homeless.
• Visit the sick.
• Visit the prisoners.
• Bury the dead.
• Give alms to the poor.

Jesus asks us to find him in any person who is hurting.

We are to do this without discrimination. We don’t need to ask for documentation or moral perfection, and we don’t need to ask for religious affiliation or personal background. We take care of people, not because of who they are, but because of who we are. We must love the person God puts in front of us without exception.

Whoever Jesus puts in front of us, whoever knocks at our door – there is the test of our true identity.

Will we be sheep, or will we be goats? Pray to be like the sheep. The goats didn’t fare too well in the final judgment of the Son of Man.