Today I Give Thanks for Matthew 25

 Today I give thanks for Matthew 25, Jesus’ instruction manual for how to live our lives in difficult times.

 

There are three parts to this chapter.  First, the parable of the bridesmaids that warns us to stay awake.  We are instructed not to check out, opt out, or sleep on the job.

 

The second part is the parable of the talents. The lesson here is that we must use what we’re been given and increase it, not hide our God-given gifts away because we’re afraid. 

 

And why are we to remain awake?  What are we to use the gifts we’ve been given for?

 

Jesus provides us with a remarkably clear guide:

 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’

 

This is the time to take care of one another.  This is the time to recognize the hungry, the naked, the stranger, those suffering from disease, and those imprisoned.  This is not the time to turn away or chase them away.  This is the time to see one another’s humanity clearly and to do the work we are called to do – here and now.  No matter how angry we are.  No matter how scared we are.  No matter what.

 

Today I give thanks for Matthew 25, Jesus’ little instruction book, and I pray to have the wisdom and the courage to follow it.