We hear Jesus tell us today that we will be judged by how we love others. How we helped those in need. How we were there for those who struggled.
In essence we are called by baptism to be there for everyone we encounter.
While the usual citizen stands by while others suffer we are called to minister to them and their need and in their sin just as Jesus ministers to us. We are called to love because he loved us first while we were sinners.
And our Old Testament reading also describes how we should treat others. We should not put stumbling blocks in another’s way. More so we should protect our neighbors and others who are threatened.
God sees us all as brothers and sisters and of one family. He expects us to act that way.
How foreign the idea is in our society. Good Samaritans make the news for their unique love for others. Often putting themselves at risk.
It is telling that we live in a world, a society, a country, a state… even a city where helping others is so rare it is newsworthy.
If all in our city who claim to be Christian treated everyone as Jesus taught us, charity and helping others would never make the news. What a world that would be.
And Jesus says if we fail to help others we will be judged on it. For if we do not love others, truly love others to the point we are compelled to help them…if we do not love others then we really don’t love God as we should either. For the one, is intertwined with the other. We cannot say we love God if we do not love our neighbor.
So how are we doing the first Monday of Lent. Maybe that is what we need to do for Lent … find ways each day to help others until we grow in our love and understand our responsibility.
Love others as we love ourselves. That’s a commandment from Jesus Christ.
How are we doing?
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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