As their religion professor, the parable about the sheep and goats can be scary, but I prefer to point out that it’s a beautiful story that reminds us to simply pay attention.
Throughout this section of Matthew, Jesus has been suggesting that there will ultimately be a great division among humanity. There will be those who prepared for history’s conclusion and those who did not adequately prepare (the parable of the ten virgins). There will be those who did their best with what had been given to them and those who will be guilty of wasting their time by doing nothing (the parable of the talents).
But what we may sometimes miss in this passage is the curious fact that when you get right down to it, the sheep and the goats have one big thing in common: neither group was aware of what they did or failed to do at the time they were doing it (or failing to do it). Hence, both groups ask the exact same question: "When did all that stuff happen?"
Jesus tells the righteous folks that he was grateful for all the ways they had nourished, welcomed, clothed, tended to, and visited him. But the righteous cannot for the life of them recall doing any of that for Jesus, and so they ask, "Well now, when did we do all that for you, Lord?" Conversely, those not paying much attention cannot for the life of them recall ever seeing Jesus anywhere, much less in need of anything, and so they ask, "Well now, what day was that when we plumb missed seeing you, Jesus?" One group did the right things to Jesus, the other group failed to help Jesus, but neither realized it at the time.
Like most of my photos, I literally get down on the ground, from that perspective I see the world differently than most. Jesus identified himself snugly with the hurting of this world that whatever we do, or fail to do, in relation to those hurting people directly affects Jesus. So we forget or miss our chance. We simply don't pay attention while we live our life.
I shared with our students that on Sunday morning after the 10 am Mass, people who really, really care about them donated over 100 baked goods. Despite all their creative, baking talents, their purpose was simply to share their faith in Jesus and used the funds to support the wonderful student ministry at Newman.
At the same time no one noticed, but an 88 year-old Marilyn came to Newman for the first time. Her story was simple. She had recently moved into an assisted living home in Brockport and she had no way to get to church. Her husband died over 10 years ago and her two daughters live in Pennsylvania. So an invitation was extended to the parish asking for volunteers to bring Marilyn to our church. For 88 years Marilyn had been coming to church and I asked her to kindly stand so that we could welcome her to Newman and applaud her faith and love for Jesus. With a smile that brought our people to tears, this community warmly welcomed her at our Eucharistic table. This is what it means to walk humbly in the footsteps of Jesus. Sometimes it not money or time people need, only a smile and a hug.
That gospel story invites all of us to pay close attention to one another for I believe there is a piece of God inside each of us. If we truly believe this, then we will indeed feed the hungry, clothe the naked and all the things mentioned in the gospel reading. But sometimes we need look no further than our own home to help someone. Sometimes help can be rendered without giving money, or even our time. Sometimes it may be just as simple as giving someone a hug, which lets them know that we care about them. Or sometimes the toughest thing to do may be just telling someone whom you care about that you love them.
Simply put, I told our college students that when they go home take the time to tell mom and dad, grandma and grandpa that you missed them and give them a great big hug.
Now reflect on this psalm: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends on Thanksgiving Day that we get down at our tables and remember to thank all who cooked the turkey and prepared our favorite “mashed potatoes.” From my heart and soul, I love you all and may you and all the members of your family be at peace.
