Sermon on the Sunday of the Last Judgement

Originally given on February 10, 1991

Today’s Gospel reading has terrible implications. Jesus tells us about His second coming. He says He will arrive with His angels, gather all nations and separate them to what He calls “the sheep from the goats,” the sheep on one side and the goats on the other. This separation is based on ministering to “the least of these my brethren.” Jesus requires us to welcome strangers, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit the sick and those in prison. Christian charity is an act of love for Christ because we find Him in those in need.

The Gospel lesson reminds me of a sermon by the famous revolutionary war preacher, Johnathan Edwards, entitled Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. The sermon was preached on July 8, 1741. The division between those going to heaven and those going to the lake of fire with the gnashing of teeth is based on how charitable we are as Christians. Charitable acts can be graded in their value.

The first level consists of simple acts of hospitality – welcoming strangers or foreigners in our workplace, community, church and home. We put aside racial, religious, or political differences. We welcome them as persons who possess the image of Christ ─ talk to them, give a handshake, a pleasant word and make them feel comfortable. There is a risk to hospitality because it may be rejected, but we still should take the risk.

The second level increases the risk. We help with material needs. We recognize need, and we give what we can. You often hear concern about those who swindle and take advantage of charity. They will stand in judgment for their swindle. Since we don’t always know the motives or behavior of people in need, we will either help them or convict them of a grave sin. Helping someone with material needs requires stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure. How much should I give away of my treasure? Ten percent is a biblical norm, but Christ would not set a limit. Remember the praise he gave to the widow who only donated two mites (about a penny). That was all she had.

The highest level involves ministering to those suffering with sickness or imprisonment. The Church fathers say this level is even above attending church services. Mother Teresa speaks about how it drained her. Her support group was her convent community. Those who minister to the suffering share a part of themselves. This is the reason why hospice care workers and nursing home attendants need support groups. They also need an active prayer life and strong faith. For Mother Teresa it was her order that gave her spiritual support, for us it should be our church community.

We all have a choice; we may not be able to do a lot but we can do something.  Think of how, especially during lent, we can be welcoming, charitable or care for the suffering. Christ emphasizes personal giving. We all want to be loved, but in order to receive love we must give it away. Like the miracle of the loaves and fish, the more love we give, the more we will receive.  It can’t be given with the thought that we will be getting a return. That would not be love but employment.

Of course, those who are in need or suffering have a purpose. They are the receivers of the love. In many ways it is more difficult to accept help and care from others. It requires humility. We can support those who are involved in our suffering by telling them how much we appreciate their help.

Let us pray to the Lord, Lord have mercy.
Today O Lord, you taught us the meaning of true Christian Love. We pray for the courage to act when we have an opportunity to show love.  Help us to welcome strangers, visit the sick, clothe the naked and feed the hungry. When we fail, we beg for forgiveness so that we will always be numbered among your sheep. We pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.