You Did it To Me

Today as a nation we commemorate the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a day to honor a man who stood up for the rights of those who could not speak. He did it in a way that was cloaked in the Gospel, inspired by Christ.

On Saturday, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Paul Wright, the cardiologist of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Dr. Wright, successful both professionally and financially, found that he was restless and so went in search of the holiest person he knew in hopes she would be able to answer his quest for knowing what it is that we must to do to have internal peace and eternal life. In asking Mother Teresa these questions, she led him to Matthew 25:31-46. Holding up one of his hands, told him the answer he was seeking was as simple as five words. Touching each of his fingers she recited with one word on each digit, “You did it to me.”

 This same verse was foundational to the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Both Dr. King and Mother Teresa lives reflected the living out of this passage and can inspire us to do the same as we seek the path to eternal happiness and life with Christ.

Does that mean we must go out and open a soup kitchen or begin a housing project for the homeless? Not necessarily—but it does mean reflecting on the gifts and talents God has given us and asking ourselves how we can live out the vocation of love that each of us has been called to do through our baptism as disciples of Christ.

Going past the obvious, let us reflect on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words, for when I was…

Hungry, you gave me food: When have we fed one who was hungry, not solely physical food, but spiritually? Do we lead people to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith? Have we invited those who felt left out to the banquet of the Lord? Have we helped them to discover the richness of the Word of God?

Thirsty and you gave me drink: When have we taken the time to quench the thirst of one who hungers for knowledge or Truth? Have we shared how God has enlightened our lives with others and listened to their story? Have we loved someone enough to help them search for the Truth that is God, shattering the lies and distortions of society that lead to unhappiness?

A stranger and you welcomed me: What is our reaction when we encounter someone from a different culture or socio-economic background? Do we see them as individuals and as helpers? Do we welcome them into our community, whether it is the parish, neighborhood, or family? Do we see the foreigner as friends or enemy?

Naked and you clothed me: What has been our reaction to the homeless person who crosses our path? Have we tried to ignore them or have we engaged them in conversation? What is our response to one whose skin color, faith, or opinions are different than our own? Have we stripped those not like us of their dignity or do we see all men and women as created in the image and likeness of God? Do we love everyone as brothers and sisters as Christ commands?

Ill and you cared for me: How to we console those who are suffering, not only physically but emotionally, and spiritually, walking with them so their suffering and our compassion join together in union with the suffering of Christ? Have we seen the face of Jesus forsaken in those who suffer and reached out in compassion to alleviate His suffering through compassionately caring for them?

In prison and you visited me: How many are living in prisons of their own doing, trapped by addictions or self-imposed life goals and commitments that take away their freedom? How do we help those imprisoned to break free of the chains that weigh them down and hold them back from the freeing power of the Gospel?

God is love. We are called to be His eyes and ears, hand and heart, hands and feet, and voice in this world. Let us sing the sweet melody of God’s love in this world so as to still the restless hearts and comfort the souls of those who are weary. As our voices join together may we raise up a mighty chorus that will ring throughout the world! Amen.