Monday of the First Week in Lent
(Matthew 25:31-46)
Not very long ago an old African man spent the first night of his life under a mosquito net. Unfortunately, the net arrived too late to protect him from mosquitoes carrying elephantitis, the disease which had already blinded him. But at least the man might sleep more comfortably. A campaign against malaria and elephantitis spearheaded by former President Jimmy Carter provided the net for the old man. The campaign does not have a lot of money; nevertheless, it works to relieve the suffering of the world’s poorest people.
The Scripture readings today call us to help our neighbor by providing relief such as mosquito netting to poor Africans. In the gospel Jesus extends the concept of neighbor beyond those who live next store and even beyond one’s countrymen and countrywomen. He intends that all who show mercy to those who come in his name will receive a heavenly reward. Some understand him to mean here only his apostles and other missionaries. But there is good reason to think that he intends every suffering human being as representing himself.
During Lent we want to give special attention to assisting the poor. Some parishes promote the use of “rice bowls” in homes to collect money for aid to impoverished nations. Toward the end of Lent there will be a special collection for the Bishops’ Overseas Appeal. Contributing generously will surely assist us in gaining a favorable judgment on the last day.
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