‘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?’  Matthew 25:37-39

 In this week’s Gospel Matthew implores us all to welcome the stranger. I believe however that it is also important to recognize that there are many who go about their everyday life doing these acts of kindness.

So the question is what prevents everyone from answering this call?  Is it my own prejudices and fears or I just don’t want to be involved I have enough going on in my own life? Or because people are not like me or don’t have what I have do I feel superior and sometimes make a judgment call, “everyone has the same opportunity because they have chosen unwisely now they can suffer the consequences.”

Nevertheless those arguments don’t stand up as Jesus is clearly calling me to live the Gospel and therefore I am required to help others.  So even when I would prefer not to have a conversation with someone or do something I really don’t want to do I know a few kind words or actions can make someone’s day. Subsequently when I see a need through an act of kindness I can make that person feel good about themselves.