“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” – Matthew 25:32

During the season of Lent, we who are on this journey are reminded again and again of God’s abundant forgiveness and mercy. Lent, to be reminded, is a season for reexamination of our walk with Christ, and of our relationship with God. Where have we fallen down?  Where have we failed? It’s a time to enter into reflection about the nature of those shortcomings. During this season of penitence, we seek to deepen our relationship with God and with one another.

The Lenten journey should not be taken lightly, nor should we “skate” through it without giving its meaning a second thought. As Christians throughout the ages have known, to truly experience the glory of Easter, this road must be walked. For me, this season always has served as a reminder of where I am in my personal journey. Where have I failed? Have I taken the easy route, one that skirts the hard questions that I must ask myself? When have I turned a blind eye to the needs of those around me?

One clear way to renewing our commitment to obey God’s will and to follow Christ is to adhere to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:31-46. In this text, the nations are gathered and judged according to what they did or didn’t do for their brothers and sisters. Those who did are invited to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” The criteria? Simple. They fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited the prisoners. Those that didn’t respond to the needs were sent away “into eternal punishment.”

Matthew would say it’s not enough just to have the right beliefs. It’s not enough to be able to recite creeds and pray eloquently. It’s not enough just to attend Bible studies, Sunday School classes, or participate in the Walk to Emmaus. It’s not enough just to be in church on Sunday mornings. While none of these are bad, none of them will enable us to inherit the kingdom. What is needed is right practice coupled with right belief. One might say it’s about walking the talk. Is service important? Very.

I believe that in this text, those who didn’t provide for the needs of others were Christians who were so absorbed in themselves that they were unaware. As Jesus pointed out, that is not an excuse. A church, to be a church, must be involved in ministry. It must reach beyond its walls to the poor, the needy, those on the margins of life. As the letter of James says, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters if you have faith but do not have works?” (2:14a). We can have all the faith in the world, but if it’s not put into action, it’s meaningless.

Yes, there are consequences, both for our attention and inattention to others.  What we do is of utmost importance. Whether or not we engage in ministry may be the difference in inheriting the kingdom or in experiencing “eternal punishment.” It’s our choice. What will it be? See you on this journey of reflection.

Grace and peace,

Mike

March 19, 2017