Matthew 25:31–46 MEETING CHRIST IN THE ORDINARY

Year A, Monday of the First Week of Lent

At the beginning of Lent, the Church gives us a powerful and very practical Gospel. Jesus speaks about the final judgment, but what surprises us is the standard He uses. He does not ask how successful we were, how much we achieved, or even how many prayers we said. Instead, He says:

“I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The people are confused. They ask, “Lord, when did we see you?” And Jesus answers, “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This Gospel brings Lent down to earth. Sometimes we imagine holiness as something extraordinary — great sacrifices or dramatic spiritual experiences. But Jesus points to something very ordinary: kindness, attention, compassion, and care for others.

Every day we encounter people who are “hungry” in different ways: someone longing to be listened to,… someone carrying loneliness,… a family member needing patience,… a coworker needing encouragement, … a person struggling silently with grief or fear.

Often we are busy, distracted, or tired, and we pass by without noticing. Lent slows us down so that we begin to see differently. Christ hides Himself in the ordinary faces around us.

This Gospel also challenges us gently but honestly. Faith is not only personal devotion; it becomes real in how we treat others. Prayer leads to compassion. Fasting creates space for generosity. Almsgiving becomes love in action.

The beautiful truth is this: every act of love, no matter how small, becomes an encounter with Christ Himself. A kind word, a patient response, a helping hand — these are not small in God’s eyes. They are eternal.

Lent asks us not only, “How am I praying?” but also, “Whom am I noticing?” Because the road to Easter passes through love lived in daily life.

Question to Ponder: Whom might I be overlooking today in whom Christ is waiting for my love and attention?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo