WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    August 16, 2023

“BE THE FEET OF CHRIST”

Matthew 25: 31-45 NRSV

In the heart of humanity is Jesus. With Jesus’ likeness there is the capacity

to experience God’s significant call and to see the fragmentation in

our community, in our nation, and around the world. “Truly I tell you just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me “(v.40b)

God is always doing something in our midst. And I believe God is shaking us up to take notice, and so we can really get to work for his mission, serving him, serving rightly. Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. (v.45). He reminds us:

* when I was hungry; I waited in long lines for food.

* when I was thirsty; polluted water came from my faucet.

* when I was a stranger; my child was ripped from my arms.

* when I was a prisoner; I was locked up for life, the key thrown away.

* when I had no money; I was evicted from my home.

* when I was sick; I was told it was a hoax; it would be gone in days.

Jesus, the Son of Humanity, is our means of connection within our individual fragmentation. Jesus encourages us to bridge the broken places in our communities, to see the importance of collective service along with individual service. That service is a gospel of Good News. It’s an opportunity for the greater community to see Jesus in us when we serve. It is our witnessing. It is our story, our testimony. It is who we are.

Jesus is our intersection between God and all of humanity. During unforeseen circumstances, in serving the need we are a part of God’s bridge for connectiveness. The service of the “least” concerns all people everywhere. When we provide service for one another, and to someone who may not have anyone to care for them, we demonstrate Christ’s love. If someone serves doubting they were ministering to Christ, Jesus says that whenever they gave food to the hungry, welcomed a stranger, clothes the naked, or visited the sick or imprisoned, they acted in kindness toward Jesus himself. Jesus can identify with the least of these because he has walked in their shoes. And we walk in their shoes with prayer. Have a talk with Jesus. Pause and listen. Read Jesus’ spoken word out loud. Ask the Spirit of God to increase understanding with open mind and heart; then with that guidance Be the Feet of Christ.

Be encouraged with the availability of resources, thanking God for those who commit to serve. Support activitivists for their enormous effort to provide, and educate with greater services for the need in our community,nation, and world.

Be grateful for God’s intervention for our wellness, for giving us knowledge and wisdom,allowing us to shine Jesus’ light for his divine purpose, and for helping us to stay on the divine path. “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.” Proverbs 15:30. Amen!

Rev. Carole