Reflections by Keith Funk

I must wonder if perhaps the greatest need for the Church in our current climate is the pursuit of seeing Jesus in others. While such a statement may elicit nods of agreement in some, or the rolling of eyes in others, the implications of this surely need to be probed with all serious examination. Such examination begins by looking within. I do not offer this from the perspective of what I observe not happening in others as much as I acknowledge my own lack of awareness and response to the Jesus who is present in those about me. Often, I have missed seeing him. And by missing him in others, I have missed seeing them for who they are as God has called me to see them. Therefore, what I share here is perhaps an expression of my own purgation and conviction of a most pressing urgency that is, I believe, before all of us today.

The scene from Matthew 25 has been an unsettling one for many from past generations to the present. Some know this story as, “The Sheep and the Goats”, for others, “The Last Judgement” or “The Judgement of the Nations.” The story speaks to the coming of the Son of Man and a separation among the nations like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats into two groups. One group is placed on his right and the other on his left. The first group is commended for their response to him through their care for the hungry, thirsty, estranged, ill and so forth. These will inherit the kingdom. They ask the question, “When did we see you?” What follows is the Lord’s well-known response, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did to me.” Conversely, to those on his left he says, “Depart from me…What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” The story ends with the latter group going “off to eternal punishment” and “the righteous to eternal life.”

This story has had multiple interpretations throughout history. For our purpose, might we take pause to reflect on the presence of our Lord among those with whom we would least expect? The value of a solitary life, particularly the life that is marginalized through poverty, infirmity, or some social stigma, is one on whom the Lord places excessive value. And where this one is seen, there the Lord will be found.

And what of our response to such a one as this? More than “one-size-fits-all” prescriptions or programs may be the need for each of us to take notice and meet one where they are in the moment or situation as need occurs. Not that programs aren’t good and needed, but these can become an off ramp by which we, perhaps, can excuse ourselves to take notice and to give our attention and care.

I believe the way of shalom is where all matter. Perhaps, most importantly, this applies to “the least of these.” As followers of Jesus, as such ones matter so significantly to our Lord, so must they to us. For me, I pray going forward that my eyes are open and my heart and life are availed to such a one who may come before me. In such ones as these, Jesus is to be encountered. And in such ones, Jesus is there to encounter us. May we not miss seeing this.

Peace be with you.