Who are the least of these?
In the New Testament used by the Christian religion it is written that Jesus talks to the disciples about how they have taken care of him when he was thirsty, hungry and naked. The disciples knew that they had not taken care of Jesus in these ways and asked Jesus why he would say that. He replies that when they did these things for the least of these it was as if they were doing it for him.
When talking to a friend today I asked the question: “Who are the least of these?” I shared that, for me, it is easy to identify with and feed the physically hungry, clothed those who are cold, or give water to those who are thirsty. With those who need the basics of food, clothing, drink or shelter I find it easy to share what I have. I have no expectations of receiving appreciation or thanks. For me, these are not the least of these about whom Jesus is talking. I can easily see myself in these people and understand they may have little to give back. Shame, anger or exhaustion may prevent them from telling me that they are grateful for my help. They are me and I am them.
The least of these for me are those who are covered in furs, $5000.00 suits and driving an expensive car. It is those whose way of feeling good about themselves is to act as if they are better than by flaunting their money, power, knowledge or physical strength. Their sense of worth seems tied up in these things or qualities that trigger all of my insecurities or my sense of the unfairness of life. I have trouble unconditionally loving this group of people. I do not clearly see their pain. I may mistake their superior attitudes for who they are. I my want to “straighten” their thinking; make sure they know that I am not fooled by them; that I am not impressed by their financial wealth; that I know that they are no better than I or the homeless person. Yet, he food they need; the clothes they need to cover their nakedness; the shelter they need is unconditional love. I find it difficult to just show up with generous love; to reach beneath the expensive cloak to touch their aching heart. I may want to tell them, “Get a grip. Don’t you see how much you have for which to be grateful? For God’s sake, stop your whining. Why did you do behavior X? You are such an ungrateful, useless piece of crap. Don’t you know that your bad behavior affects many? People do not show you love because your heart is hard.” Yet, what “these people” need is the very same thing that the homeless person needs – unconditional love with no judgments or expectations.
For me, the least of these are those parts of me which are mirrored in “those people” . They are the me who is the most fearful that I am not enough – that has to prove that I are more than so that I do not feel less them.
I suspect that Jesus was suggesting that “the least of these” are these parts of me I find it difficult to love.
Written November 27, 2017
In the New Testament used by the Christian religion it is written that Jesus talks to the disciples about how they have taken care of him when he was thirsty, hungry and naked. The disciples knew that they had not taken care of Jesus in these ways and asked Jesus why he would say that. He replies that when they did these things for the least of these it was as if they were doing it for him.
When talking to a friend today I asked the question: “Who are the least of these?” I shared that, for me, it is easy to identify with and feed the physically hungry, clothed those who are cold, or give water to those who are thirsty. With those who need the basics of food, clothing, drink or shelter I find it easy to share what I have. I have no expectations of receiving appreciation or thanks. For me, these are not the least of these about whom Jesus is talking. I can easily see myself in these people and understand they may have little to give back. Shame, anger or exhaustion may prevent them from telling me that they are grateful for my help. They are me and I am them.
The least of these for me are those who are covered in furs, $5000.00 suits and driving an expensive car. It is those whose way of feeling good about themselves is to act as if they are better than by flaunting their money, power, knowledge or physical strength. Their sense of worth seems tied up in these things or qualities that trigger all of my insecurities or my sense of the unfairness of life. I have trouble unconditionally loving this group of people. I do not clearly see their pain. I may mistake their superior attitudes for who they are. I my want to “straighten” their thinking; make sure they know that I am not fooled by them; that I am not impressed by their financial wealth; that I know that they are no better than I or the homeless person. Yet, he food they need; the clothes they need to cover their nakedness; the shelter they need is unconditional love. I find it difficult to just show up with generous love; to reach beneath the expensive cloak to touch their aching heart. I may want to tell them, “Get a grip. Don’t you see how much you have for which to be grateful? For God’s sake, stop your whining. Why did you do behavior X? You are such an ungrateful, useless piece of crap. Don’t you know that your bad behavior affects many? People do not show you love because your heart is hard.” Yet, what “these people” need is the very same thing that the homeless person needs – unconditional love with no judgments or expectations.
For me, the least of these are those parts of me which are mirrored in “those people” . They are the me who is the most fearful that I am not enough – that has to prove that I are more than so that I do not feel less them.
I suspect that Jesus was suggesting that “the least of these” are these parts of me I find it difficult to love.
Written November 27, 2017
RSS Feed