Lead With Your Heart
Many of us would not think of doing the wrong thing, but how often do we consider those things which we should be doing that we don't do?
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." - Matthew 25:34-36
Today's Gospel reading is probably the most powerful reminder of what our mission in this life is all about.
We are told outright that what we do for each other, we do for God.
And God will reward us accordingly.
That's the brutal fact that makes this reminder of our mission in life so chilling. If we fail to do for one another as we would do for God or ourselves, we will be held accountable.
But we should do these things not to avoid punishment, but to show our love for God through his people.
So, I asked myself, what if someone does these things purely for salvation and not out of love? Why should that person be rewarded?
Then I started doing these things and I learned the answer. I don't believe it is possible to serve others without coming to love them.
You may disagree, but I have seen people change by doing. There is a reason God wants us to help each other. It changes us and makes us better.
This week, a middle school class came to Caritas to help with our pantry and soup kitchen. They truly enjoyed themselves as they served lunch to well over a hundred people.
Yesterday I spoke with the teacher who told me the kids want to come back. They told her many of their stereotypes had been broken and they truly care about the people they served.
Wow.
Do they believe they are serving Christ?
I doubt it. They are doing what comes naturally to them when they lead with their hearts. And they will be back.
This is the lesson in today's Gospel and it is a lesson we need to learn over and over again. Lead with your heart and good will happen.
More to come...