March 11, 2019 Monday of the 1st Week of Lent-C
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
Psalm 19
Matthew 25:31-46
“You shall love your neighbor. I am the Lord” Lev. 19:18
For I was hungry…a stranger…naked…ill,,,in prison…” Mt. 25:35-36
Lord, I will let the details of your final judgment to mystery and trust you will judge me with mercy and love. It is clear from our reading that how I treat my brothers and sisters is a major element in inheriting eternal life. Loving you and neighbor is your greatest commandment. John of the Cross said: “In the evening of this life we will be judged on love.” Lord, fill my mind and convert my heart to see you in the people around me. You are present in all of them. But the people who are hurting for whatever reason are closest to your Sacred Heart. I can think of a dozen ways how they have gotten themselves into prison, not cared for their health or failed to work to care for their family. But I don’t think you look at them that way. You said much will be required of the one who has much. Give me a heart that is compassionate, generous and eager to lift up my neighbors and not be indifferent to their suffering. Help me to see you in them and your love for them so I can hear you say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father and inherit the kingdom prepared for you,…” Amen.