‘The Least Of These’ Deserve Our Best Efforts

Today’s reading: Matthew 25:31-40

One of the great frustrations of my life has been to realize that our society — even many churches — can’t be counted upon to live up to the expectations Jesus has for us in today’s reading.

“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'” (Verse 25)

Modern economies are based on self-interest, certainly not the interest of “the least of these.” So to be righteous these days requires much rebelliousness — on behalf of people who are too weak to join the fight themselves. In otherwords, it’s “foolish.”

“Don’t set yourself up for failure,” the responsible business consultant must advise.  “Go to where the money is. The poor must learn to fend for themselves.”

Jesus tells us we are to give priority to the poor, yet the world tells us to be concerned mostly for ourselves.  And the world has all-but won this debate by setting up systems to lead the righteous, ultimately, to rags.

But that doesn’t mean the world is right.

Here is the recipe I have developed for combating this. (It’s bland and bitter, I admit, but, given the circumstances of our world, I think  it’s pretty tasty too.) First I help as many desperate souls as the world will physically allow. Then I consider frequently that the world is always opposed to this practice and will fight to reduce my capacity. (This second step keeps me  prepared for battle.)  Then, finally, I challenge all others to follow this plan themselves — and to be honest with Jesus about their own capacity.

In my adventures with this plan I’ve been called crazy, naive, stupid, and foolish. But that’s just the world talking. The best name comes from Jesus: righteous.

Thanks be to God for all souls — especially the least of these.