Monday of the First Week of Lent

"God Takes It Personally"

We generally tend to see ourselves as good or bad in reference to how God might see us. We consider our sins as offenses against God. When we are repentant, we ask God’s healing forgiveness. We want to die in a state of grace so that God will reward us with eternal happiness in heaven and we accept the message of Jesus, in today’s gospel reading from Matthew, that a final judgment one day awaits us all.

However, we miss an important point in this gospel passage if we too quickly pass over an intriguing revelation about God’s judgment of us. True, Jesus is presented as the final judge of our actions but we also learn something about how Jesus identifies himself with ordinary people. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did it to me,” and “truly, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” What this identification does is prevent us from escaping responsibility for the people whose lives we touch. It suggests that our consciences be directed, not so much to God abiding in a world beyond, but to a very mundane, earthy and practical world where real people live.

What this gospel passage indicates is that our moral status is never just “between me and God.” What we do, or don’t do, for others is what counts in the eyes of the Lord. We can pray fervently to God and yet be poor communicators to member of our own family. We can be repentant to God for our sins and foolishness of heart and still be unrepentant to those whom we have actually offended. We can dutifully fulfill our religious obligations and yet be neglectful of our responsibilities for the poor and downtrodden in society. Not offering a helping hand when it is needed, not giving good example to our children, “keeping our nose clean” when our input could be useful, turning our back on someone in trouble, refusing a request for forgiveness - - - all these, and more, God takes very personally.

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LENTEN PRACTICE
Set your eyes directly on those affected by your actions or neglect.
Don’t approach God for forgiveness without first taking “the least of these brothers and sisters” into account.
Praise God by praising the efforts of your children.
 Glorify God by rejoicing with your neighbors in their good fortune.
Seek God’s forgiveness by seeking forgiveness of people you actually hurt.
Thank God by expressing gratitude to people who have shown you kindness.
Show God love by the love you offer to those who need it most.