Reflect on serving others with joy in your daily life through Laura Nelson's Gospel reflection, exploring the call to selfless love inspired by Matthew 25:31-46.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
As parents, we spend a lot of time with the “least” of Christ’s brothers. Meeting the daily physical needs of our children is what we do on a daily basis. Each day we feed the hungry, give drink (or juice boxes) to the thirsty, and dress the naked (sometimes against their will). We live the Corporal Works of Mercy day in and day out.
Depending on how long you’ve been in the trenches of parenting or how long it’s been since you’ve had a reasonable break or a good night’s sleep, you may start to resent the good that you’re doing for your family.
“Why can’t they get their own cup of water?” “When do I get a break?” Why does my three-year-old refuse to wear socks?”
It’s enough for any good, loving parent to want to throw in the towel (or the burp cloth).
Jesus knows we need rest. He isn’t expecting perfection. But He is looking for us to try to love others the way He loves us - selflessly and fully. It doesn’t mean that we have to kill ourselves to make sure all needs are met at every moment of every day without help. But, we ARE called to think of others. To serve their needs along with our own. This is what love is. This is what Christ did for us.
Had we been able to save ourselves from the shackles of sin on our own, Jesus wouldn’t have been incarnated. But we couldn’t. So He came to earth and met our spiritual needs with the greatest act of love and the most glorious demonstration of His divinity - through His Passion, death, and resurrection.
Ponder:
Have I grown resentful of serving others, or do I serve with a joyful heart? If my heart is less than joyful, what do I need to do to embrace joy again?
Pray:
Lord Jesus, You came to earth to meet my need for freedom from the bondage of sin. Help me to meet others' needs with the love of Your Sacred Heart when my own heart is weary with work.
Pray Together:
After dinner this evening, with your children’s help, make a list of people that you know who need help in small or large ways. Pick one name from the list and plan to do something tangible for them this week.
Copyright 2026 Laura Nelson
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