Sorting - December 18, 2021

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 55; PM Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Zech. 8:9-17; Rev. 6:1-17; Matt. 25:31-46

“…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.”  Matthew 25:35-37

This morning’s scripture from Matthew grabs me. Jesus is prophesying through parables. He is painting a picture of what righteousness and salvation look like, holding up the sharp contrast to the fate of the stingy and self-righteous. Jesus presents a message that is challenging.

At the end that is ahead, there will be a time for evaluation and honest observation conducted by the Son of Man, who we know as Jesus. He will sort some to the right hand – considered in antiquity to be the hand of honor and favor – and to the left hand – the unclean, undesirable side. Those shunted to the right side will be called blessed by God and have the promise of great reward, for they showed mercy upon those in need – feeding, clothing, nursing, visiting. The Son of Man will then turn to those at his left hand and declare them heading for doom and eternal fire, for they neglected to be welcoming or compassionate to those who were hurting, lost, hungry, and vulnerable.

I am fascinated this morning by the distinct parallel between the responses of those jettisoned to the right and to the left. Those who showed compassion respond, “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?” The answer from those who were aloof is, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” I am intrigued by the rhetorical angle of Jesus’ message, for the symmetry laid out in the story is beautiful. I feel compelled by the view of human experience, too. Those who fall into each category have no idea of their actions, or their impact upon their lives of faithfulness to God. It is as if their eyes are covered in cotton, and the veils are being pulled back during this time of reckoning and reflecting.

This piece of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew is the final one before he and his disciples share the Last Supper. This is Jesus’ final attempt at preparing the people for what is ahead. Truly, there are days when I need these words to awaken me and get my eyes and heart recentered. These are words that prepare each of us to welcome Jesus and live fully into the promise and gift of connectedness and faith. These are the words that help us look at our own choices and evaluate how we are doing. This message feels like one appropriate to Lent and germane to Advent – in this season of preparing, clearing out, and waiting for the joy that is to come.

I think of Micah 6:8, in which the prophet reminds the people of God’s instructions for living well: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” This truth shared through the gospel of Matthew this morning reminds me that while the message of doing good is simple, it is also hard to be disciplined each moment. I am grateful to have God’s grace and the encouragement of others as we wander this path of faithfulness. Let us prepare our hearts each day to welcome Jesus, seeing Jesus in one another. As such, I pray that we are each moved to show compassion to those around us in need – for when we do justice, live kindness, and walk humbly with God, we are in tune with our neighbors and in touch with the God who made us and loves us all.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

In Matthew 25:31-47, Jesus talks about sorting people into sheep and goats. How does this sit with you? What are the feelings that bubble up for you? What stories from your present or past do you think about when you read this scripture?

Daily Challenge

Today’s reading from Matthew is an encouragement to open our eyes to see God in those around us, and especially in those who are in need. Spend time in prayer today that God will open your eyes and your heart to help those around you. Then, make plans for how you will show compassion to others (e.g., carry a blessing bag to share food or water with someone on the street, call someone on the Saint Stephen’s prayer list, send a card to a person who is incarcerated, etc.).