To Serve Christ for Other People

March 2, 2020
Monday for the First Week of Lent
Readings for Today

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“Amen, I tell una, anything wey una do for one of these My brothers wey dem rate lowest, na for Me una do am.” Matthew 25:40

Who be that “brother wey dem rate lowest?” E dey interesting say Jesus point directly to the person wey people rate lowest, instead of to talk generally about everybody. Why He no talk say, “Anything wey una do for other people…?” That one go include everybody wey we dey serve. But instead, Jesus point to the brother wey dem rate lowest. Perhaps, we suppose see this person especially as the person wey sin pass, the weakest person, the person wey sick most seriously, the person wey no fit do things for imself, people wey hunger dey catch and people wey no get home, and all those wey get very serious needs for this life.

The part of this statement wey fine pass and touch heart pass na say Jesus dey see Himself as one with the person wey dey in need, the person wey dem rate “lowest” among all. When we serve people wey get special needs, na Jesus we dey serve. But for Him to fit talk like this, He must dey united with these people in a very close way. And as Jesus show this close connection wey He get with them, He dey reveal their dignity as human beings, wey no get limit.

This point dey very important for us to understand! In fact, na one of the main things wey St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and especially Pope Francis don dey teach again and again. The main message wey we suppose take from this passage na the call to always keep our attention on the dignity and value of every person.

Today, reflect on the dignity of each and every person. Try to remember anybody wey you fit no dey treat with complete respect. Who you dey look down on, wey you dey roll your eyes for? Who you dey judge or despise? Na inside this person, more than any other person, Jesus dey wait for you. He dey wait to meet you and for you to love Him inside the weak person and the sinner. Reflect on their dignity. Think of the person for your life wey this description fit pass, and make firm promise to love and serve the person. Because na inside the person you go love and serve our Lord.

Dear Lord, I understand and believe say You dey present, in a hidden way, inside the weakest among the weak, the poorest among the poor, and the sinner wey dey among us. Help me to search for You with all seriousness inside each and every person wey I meet, especially those wey need help pass. As I find You, make I love You and serve You with all my heart. Jesus, na You I trust.

40 Days for the Foot of the Cross – Reflection Five – To Surrender Completely

Resources for Lent

More Reflections on the Gospel

Reflection Dem about God im Mercy

Saints/Feasts for Today

Options for Mass Readings

Three great books for Lent
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