February 23 - Lord, When Did We See You?

Monday of the First Week of Lent

Today's Readings

• Leviticus 19.1-2, 11-18
• Psalm 19
• Matthew 25.31-46

Today's Reflection

In the weekday Scripture readings, this is a day for “back to basics” on God’s law for our conduct: the Ten Commandments (Leviticus 19:1-18) and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The latter is one of the scariest passages in the New Testament. Jesus seems to threaten hell fire for those who do not see him in their needy brothers and sisters.

I think most teachers in the Church would agree that Jesus does not want the fear of hell to be at the center of our life in him. He constantly reminds his disciples of how abundant God’s mercy is. But in this strongly worded parable, he tells us that he is not impressed when we say we want to be close to him and systematically ignore the least of our brethren around us.

In our Lenten efforts to turn away from sin, let’s pray for the grace not to deceive ourselves about what sin is. As a prayer at Mass before Communion says, “Make me always cling closely to your commandments, and never let me be parted from you.”

 Paul S.