WATCHWORD:
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 4040 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:34-40
Meditation:
Message of Hope
I suppose I could have titled this ‘the triumph of love over fear’, because that’s my closing argument. It’s easy to find ourselves grappling with fear — fear of the unknown, of failure, even fear of each other. There exists a powerful force that has the ability to dispel the darkness and bring forth profound transformation: Love.
Love is a beacon of light that has the capacity to overcome the darkness of our most daunting fears. This is not a minor sentiment; it’s a courageous and transformative power that can heal and unite.
In the Matthew passage, above, is an illustration of the transformative power of love. The Scripture speaks of love manifested through compassion, kindness, selflessness, It reminds us that when we extend love, especially to those in need, we are in fact embracing a force that transcends fear.
in the face of fear, Love becomes our guiding principle. It teaches us that the welfare of fellow beings is intricately linked to our own well-being. It encourages us to look beyond our fears, our prejudices, and instead focus on the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
Love has the ability to dissolve fear of the ‘other’. it opens our hearts to empathy and understanding, fostering a sense of connection that defies the divisive forces of fear. When we approach life with love, we build bridges instead of walls and barricades, and we create community within our own circle of life.
Don’t give in to fear, choose, instead, love. Be inspired by selfless acts of compassion and recognize the potential that dwells within each of us. In times of uncertainty, let love be our guiding light dispelling the shadows that are cast by fear, and making a way where compassion is the common rate of exchange.
May we embrace the profound truth that love is the antidote to fear and in doing so we create a world with the power of love prevails. So be it.
Prayer of Hope:
Heavenly Father,
Your Word tells us hope abides. How can I falter what I know You and know this to be true? I confess, I get weak, Lord, but that’s only when I turn my eyes away from You. When you told Peter to walk to You on the water, He came at once and then looked down. That’s when he faltered. Give me hope to keep my eyes fixed on, for You forever hold me in the palms of Your mighty hands. I can rest in You. My hope is You. Amen.
