Daily Reflections ...

In the story Jesus tells about the Last Judgement, we see an important insight into what God is most concerned about regarding us. The story is as notable for what Jesus does not mention as it is for what he does.

We begin by noting how difficult the things Jesus chooses to focus on can be for us. Recognising his presence in the sick, the elderly, the imprisoned, the homeless, the unborn and the refugee (the list goes on) can be a tiring inconvenience. It is much easier to pay lip service to what Jesus is saying here and to give our attention to other things: rules and structures, liturgies and those teachings that make most sense to us and find comforting.

It is worth noting just how straightforward the Christian faith is. Without wanting to be reductionist, it begins by recognising that God loves you and holds you in being. Jesus, his Son, wishes to live in you and to transform you into the son or daughter of God. The sacraments are given to you to assist you with this transformation. You are to live your life by revealing Jesus’ presence in you to the world and by helping those whose struggles make living the life God has for them difficult. The Holy Spirit has been poured into your heart to give you the strength and healing you need. Everything else is secondary.

by Shane Dwyer