Least

 So too day I celebrated mass at St. Peter's basilica near the bones of St Peter himself.

As we celebrated the mass I couldn't help but think of the many thousands of men and women through the ages of different culture,langue, back ground,etc that have entered St Peter's and participated one way or another in the mass.

Truly the university of the church came to mind.  It takes all kinds to build the kingdom of God and rightly so.

As we think about the numerous multitude that has participated in the life of faith, it was fitting to read the gospel of Matthew 25, where Jesus instructs us on the last things and reminds us about judgment.

What you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters you have done for me.

Our judgment begins with what we judge to do or not do for those near to us.

The beauty of the gospel reminds us that the righteous did not know they were doing for Christ but rather they simply did out of deep compassion and love.  Unaware they made themselves ready for heaven.

We, however, unlike them have no excuse to go through life unaware. We have been told.  We have been shown.  The path before us has been laid clearly before us: what you do for the least you do to me.

These were the marching orders of mother Teresa.  She would often say the five finger gospel as a clarion call for clarity and boldness : you did it to me.

If we keep these words before us as a measure of our judgment than judgment itself will be no surprise. Unlike the figures in the gospel who were surprised and asked the question, "when Lord did we see you naked, sick, imprisoned, lonely, helpless, abandoned..."

We know the answer already.  Should we not let the answer motivate us to a new way of life.

Who are the least?  Lets assume everyone.  Then of course this makes it a lot easier to just get busy with loving.  Then our judgment won't hinder love but enable it, and even encourage it each step of the way.

From Rome...ciao