Service and compassion

Lev 19:1-2.11-18; Psalm 18; Mt 25:31-46

Today’s readings offer the powerful messages about how we are called to live out our faith in service to others. These passages remind us of the importance of showing love and compassion to those around us, especially those who are in need. In Leviticus, we are called to be holy as God is holy, and one way to do this is by being just and fair in our dealings with others. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus teaches us that by serving the least of our brothers and sisters, we are serving Him.

Today’s first reading presents a list of ethical guidelines for living a holy life. These guidelines include commands to not steal, lie, or be dishonest in our dealings with others. The passage also instructs us to show kindness and compassion to the poor and the marginalized in our society. By following these guidelines, we are not only showing our love for God but also for our neighbors, as we are all created in God’s image.

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats, in which He separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on how they treated the least of their brothers and sisters. The righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned, while the unrighteous are rebuked for neglecting these acts of service. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not just about following rules and rituals but also about actively loving and serving others.

Both Leviticus and Matthew emphasize the importance of living out our faith through acts of service and compassion. In Leviticus, we are called to be a holy people by showing kindness and fairness to others. In Matthew, Jesus teaches us that by serving the least of our brothers and sisters, we are serving Him. These passages challenge us to examine how we are living out our faith in our daily lives and to consider how we can be more intentional in our service to others.

Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on how we are living out our faith in service to others. They remind us that true holiness is not just about following rules and rituals but also about actively loving and serving those around us. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the world, showing God’s love and compassion to all we meet. May we take these passages to heart and strive to live out our faith in a way that brings honor and glory to God.