The least of these...

Matthew 25:37-40

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Who are the least of these?

In your community,

whom would you consider

the least of these?

The ones we are to feed

and clothe

those who thirst,

those whom we are to see free

from all manner of bondage.

Those who are estranged from loved ones,

and crave our company.

The least of these

live in our community

hang out in our neighbourhoods

populate the places we frequent.

They do not wear convenient labels

so that they can be easily identified.

They do not present themselves

for our ministrations.

Identifying the least of these

means we have to get beyond

the faces we see

elicit the stories

behind the facades,

strike up conversations

and build relationships

with the least of these

in our communities.

And then we can set to work:

Feeding the hungry

Quenching thirst

Welcome the stranger

Clothe the naked

Visit the sick

Free the prisoner

Serve God in the least of these.