Daily Gospel Reflection for February 23, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Optional Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

One hot, summer day as I finished some work on the lawn, I inadvertently locked myself out of my house. “That’s okay,” I thought to myself, “I’ll just call my husband.” However, I realized I left my cell phone in the house, safely on the table. I looked around, trying to think of a plan: Did I leave something unlocked? How will I get back in? Should I just hang around outside until my husband got home? That’s when I realized how uncomfortable I was becoming. The heat seemed more hot, and I was very thirsty. What I wouldn’t give for a cold water or soda at that moment.

As I continued to look around, I spotted one of my neighbors down the street. We talked for a little while and then mentioned my situation. She immediately offered for me to come inside her home and call my husband. The refreshing cool air from the air-conditioned house cooled me down. As I got off the phone with my husband, my neighbor offered me a cold soda. It was as if God knew my needs at that instant and provided everything for me. Instantly, I thought of today’s Gospel reading. It dawned on me that this was why it is so important for us to do things for each other. We not only are doing things to relieve physical suffering for each other, but we are doing God’s work. We are His hands as He blesses others. He could surely do this without our “help,” but He includes us anyway. When we follow His commands of the Corporal Works of Mercy (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, visit the ill/imprisoned, etc.) , we are cooperating with His will and His Heavenly plan.

Ponder:

Have I done anything lately to help alleviate another’s suffering? How can I help and cooperate with this Heavenly plan?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to recognize when your people need me most. Give me strength to do what is right by You and to always give my best.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Jennifer Gladen