Pastor’s Corner – November 26, 2023

To the Least of These

Matthew 25:31-46

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 as 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, who are members of the family, you did it to me.

The gospel can’t get any clearer, in the story of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats in the end time. Pay attention to the marginalized of the world: refugees, strangers, naked, poor, prisoners, those who hunger and thirst. When you serve them, you are serving God. Faith is as simple as that. However, the church has not always been on the side of the powerless but powerful. And whenever we do, we lose our way and our identity. 

I think it’s appropriate as we come to the end of our liturgical year, and begin our Advent season, we are reminded what is at the heart of our faith. The end time stories in the gospel help us focus on what matters in the life of our faith. Once again, what we do is more important than what we say we believe. May this truth be our guiding light, as we strive to serve God and our fellow neighbors. Amen. 

Pastor Dae