35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’
Reflection
Can you think of a time when someone showed you unexpected compassion? Has there ever been a time when you surprised yourself with an act of compassion for someone else?
I think about a time at a local grocery store when someone’s card didn’t go through. Most people around looked away awkwardly, but one woman stepped forward and quietly said, “Let me cover it.” No speech. No fuss. Just kindness.
I think about a schoolteacher I know who brings extra snacks every day because she knows some kids won’t have lunch otherwise. She doesn’t post about it online—she just does it.
These small acts are kin(g)dom moments. They often go unnoticed by others but make no mistake – they are recognized and celebrated in heaven. And they often mean more than we know to the recipient.
In this passage, Jesus turns our understanding of greatness upside down. He tells of a time when the Son of Man will come like a king in majesty and gather all the nations to Himself. Only unlike most kings or rulers we know who command their kingdoms, there would be no mention of titles, platforms, or achievements. There would be no lording one’s authority over those they can take advantage of or strong arm. There would be no hoarding resources — just simple, compassionate actions: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. Jesus equates the care we show to those in need and overlooked in our lives and in our communities with service to Himself.
This is not a checklist of good deeds to earn favor; it’s a lifestyle that flows from a heart that is growing in Christ. It’s how the love of God becomes visible in the world. And each one of us were given the gift of love – not to keep for ourselves but in order to make a compassionate commitment to the world.
by Rev. Kate Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
Who is one person or where is one place in your life where God might be calling you to make a commitment of compassion? [Hint: God likes a good challenge – so it may not be the easiest place to extend compassion.]
God of grace,
thank you for the gifts of compassion and love that you give to me.
Make me brave, bold, and kind enough to give them away
To the people in my life and on my path who need them most.
Give me eyes to see them, especially those I am likely to miss.
Amen.
