“Insofar as you did it for one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did it to me ……”
Bishop Willie Walsh, the retired bishop of Killaloe took as his Episcopal Motto the Irish phrase “Cineáltas Chríost” – which translates “the gentleness of Christ” or “the kindness of Christ”. Either translation sits well with today’s Gospel passage. Jesus presents the final judgement in terms of the shepherd separating sheep from goats. The sheep are lauded for moments of kindness, for putting clothes on the back of the naked, for feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick or the prisoner – for being people of welcome and instruments of peace.
Seemingly unaware of when they had encountered Christ in these actions, Jesus reassures them that when they did it for anyone, even the stranger, they did it for him.
There’s no doubt we have many opportunities to do the right thing. Today will present many.
“Cineáltas Chríost”.