The story is not, properly speaking, a parable but an evocation of the final judgment of all peoples. The entire scene is focused on a long dialogue between the Judge, none other than the Risen Jesus, and two groups of people: those who have alleviated the suffering of the most needy and those who have denied them help.
Over the centuries, Christians have seen in this fascinating dialogue “the best summary of the Gospel”, “absolute praise of the love that binds us together”, or “the most serious warning against those who have falsely taken refuge in religion”. Let us point out the basic assertions.
All men and women without exception will be judged by the same criterion. What gives enduring value to life is not social status, personal talent or success achieved over the years. The decisive factor is the love given in practice and in solidarity with those in need of help.
This love translates into very specific deeds. For example: “feed”, “give to drink”, “welcome the immigrant”, “clothe the naked”, “visit the sick or those in prison”. What’s decisive in God’s sight are not religious acts, but human acts of help to the needy. They can be done by a believer in God or they can spring from the heart of an agnostic who thinks of those who suffer.
The group of those who have helped the needy they came across unsought, have not done so from religious motives. The thought of God or of Jesus Christ did not cross their minds. They simply wanted to alleviate a little the suffering they found in the world. Now, at the invitation of Jesus, they enter the kingdom of God as “blessed by the Father”.
Why is it so crucial to help the needy and so reprehensible to deny them help? Because, as the Judge reveals, what is done to or denied them is done to or denied God himself incarnate in Christ. When we abandon a needy person we abandon God. When we alleviate his suffering, we do it to God.
This surprising message turns the attention of everyone to those who suffer. There is no true religion, no progressive public policy, no responsible declaration of human rights if it does not defend the most needy, alleviate their suffering, and restore their dignity.
In every person that suffers Jesus comes to meet us, he looks at us, he appeals to us, he pleads with us. Nothing brings us closer to him than to learn to look intently with compassion at the face of those who suffer. Nowhere will we recognize more truly the face of Jesus.
Over the centuries, Christians have seen in this fascinating dialogue “the best summary of the Gospel”, “absolute praise of the love that binds us together”, or “the most serious warning against those who have falsely taken refuge in religion”. Let us point out the basic assertions.
All men and women without exception will be judged by the same criterion. What gives enduring value to life is not social status, personal talent or success achieved over the years. The decisive factor is the love given in practice and in solidarity with those in need of help.
This love translates into very specific deeds. For example: “feed”, “give to drink”, “welcome the immigrant”, “clothe the naked”, “visit the sick or those in prison”. What’s decisive in God’s sight are not religious acts, but human acts of help to the needy. They can be done by a believer in God or they can spring from the heart of an agnostic who thinks of those who suffer.
The group of those who have helped the needy they came across unsought, have not done so from religious motives. The thought of God or of Jesus Christ did not cross their minds. They simply wanted to alleviate a little the suffering they found in the world. Now, at the invitation of Jesus, they enter the kingdom of God as “blessed by the Father”.
Why is it so crucial to help the needy and so reprehensible to deny them help? Because, as the Judge reveals, what is done to or denied them is done to or denied God himself incarnate in Christ. When we abandon a needy person we abandon God. When we alleviate his suffering, we do it to God.
This surprising message turns the attention of everyone to those who suffer. There is no true religion, no progressive public policy, no responsible declaration of human rights if it does not defend the most needy, alleviate their suffering, and restore their dignity.
In every person that suffers Jesus comes to meet us, he looks at us, he appeals to us, he pleads with us. Nothing brings us closer to him than to learn to look intently with compassion at the face of those who suffer. Nowhere will we recognize more truly the face of Jesus.
 |
| Rev. Fr. Vally de Souza S.J. |
Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site
http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org
Website for Spanish original and translations: www.eclesalia.net
Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.
English Translation by (Valentine) Vally de Souza S.J. vallydesouza@jesuits.net, Mandal, Gujarat , India.
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean. 
0 Add comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you and stay connected