|
Today's
message is clear, simple and stark. We will be judged, and
we will be judged on our kindness to others. Our final judgement
will be based on how kind we were to those who needed our
kindness. Unfortunately, the word 'kind' seems to have lost
much of its power. I hope that we can once again empower this
word because our salvation depends on it. There is nothing
more important in this whole universe than the kindness we
show to one another. And this kindness has nothing at all
to do with mere politeness or being nice. This kindness is
the heart of what it means to love.
Without kindness, marriage is just an empty
shell. Without kindness, there is no true friendship. Without
kindness, children die from neglect. Without kindness, the
sick and the aged lose hope. Without kindness, life is not
worth living. But when we let kindness be the main force that
moves our heart, we will discover a power for life and love
and hope and healing that we could hardly imagine.
As Jesus describes it, kindness is so powerful
that it actually touches the divine. Every time we do a kindness
to another human being, we do it to Christ. Our kindness touches
Jesus, who is God. Our kindness touches the divine. In fact,
it is guaranteed to do so. As we look at this Gospel, one
thing should be perfectly clear. What is asked of us is what
we can do. We are not commanded to do the impossible or the
wonderful. The King did not say, "I was sick and you
healed me, or I was in prison and you freed me."
But simply, you welcomed me, you visited me, you gave me some
food and drink, you clothed me. Who among us cannot do some
of these things, or other similar things that are not mentioned
in the Gospel?
Peace, Fr. John
|
|
