Scripture reading: Matthew 25 verse 40 “I assure you: whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did for me.”
When we show acts of love and compassion to the least of our brothers and sisters, this powerful statement reminds us that we are giving it directly to Jesus. In a world torn apart by suffering, injustice, and disruption, we can sometimes be overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness and despair. Just think of Moscow, Odessa, Khartoum, Gaza…. It is especially in these moments that we ask ourselves where God is, and what we can do in the face of so much suffering and injustice.
The story of Job reminds us of the reality that suffering and injustice are sometimes inexplicable, and that we may direct feelings of powerlessness towards God. God, however, does not remain indifferent in His sight of the suffering. He calls us to be a voice for the oppressed, a helping hand for the needy, and a beacon of hope for the desperate. In the empty hands of human limitation, we find an invitation to bring God’s love and compassion to the world, devoting ourselves to service to the least of our brothers and sisters.
On this Holy Tuesday, let us find encouragement in Jesus’ word to live out his love by practically giving ourselves to those who need it most. May we not stand back in the face of injustice and suffering, but act courageously as spreaders of hope and peace in a broken world.
Prayer: Dear God, on this Silent Tuesday we come to You with our sadness and our feelings of powerlessness. We pray for all who suffer and experience injustice in this world. Give us the strength and the courage to be hands and feet of your love, especially for those who need help the most. May we act with compassion and justice, and thus be faithful to the call of Jesus to live out the love of neighbour in our communities. Amen.