Feed the hungry.
Clothe the naked.
Give water to the thirsty.
Welcome strangers.
Visit prisoners.
Assist the ill.
Church tradition sometimes refers to these actions as works of mercy. When we expend ourselves, our time, our resources in acts such as these we’re demonstrating divine grace, care, and compassion. Most of the time, anyway. But I’ll admit that I am sometimes wary of people and organizations that perform such works.
That wariness took deep root several years ago, while talking to a man who directed a day shelter for unhoused people. I asked why he did the work and he replied, without hesitation, that he was “earning jewels” for his crown. He was aiming for a spot in heaven and the people he served were just tools for that purpose.
Just a few blocks from that shelter was another one that required all of its clients attend worship and prayer services. Demanding such things in the name of saving souls and spreading the gospel, and refusing to help if folks don’t comply, is a pretty familiar pattern.
A very different reason to be wary of this scripture arose for me while I was briefly a hospice chaplain. One of the clients I visited was in her early 90’s, nearly blind, and suffering from a host of physical ailments. She had spent most of her adult life as a nurse in the mission field, had trained many people in basic nursing skills, and had served her congregation in many ways after returning permanently to the States. She had more than fulfilled the words of this scripture. But she was terrified of death, convinced that she wasn’t good enough for heaven. The scripture we’ve just heard held a message of fear and inadequacy for her.
None of these examples (and others I know of) truly speak of mercy. And I’m not convinced that Jesus meant for this illustration of a final judgement to become a tool for spiritual scorekeeping and coercion. It’s also clear that not all of Jesus’ followers understand this parable in such unwise ways. Skyridge, for example, has included this passage in its Statement of Faith and Practice for quite some time; as far as I know no one here has turned it into a magical formula to get to heaven or a source of dread. Rather, this scripture has led this congregation to some acts of genuine service and hospitality over the years as it has paid attention to some of the needs around it.
There’s good reason to understand this parable as a word about paying attention. It’s the last in a series of parables about alertness, readiness, and paying attention that Jesus tells in the days leading up to his arrest. The “sheep” that receive praise and reward have simply paid attention to those in need around them. The parable lacks any sense that they were trying to earn points on a scorecard for heaven or avoid some sort of eternal punishment.
The “sheep” aren’t even even necessarily from among peoples who consider themselves “saved” or “chosen” or “special.” They come from all nations. The people praised in Jesus’ parable simply paid attention to the people in front of them. They were alert to need and tended to the moment, it seems. The parable indicates a willingness and readiness to respond in the moment, a selfless flow of energy and effort.
But none of us is able to maintain that attentiveness all the time. None of us is an endless well of compassion and effort. So it may be hard sometimes to know what to do.
Then, as now, individuals can’t respond to every single need that crosses our paths. As Jesus knew.
Then, as now, individuals must rest and tend to themselves. As Jesus knew and did.
Then, as now, individuals need to take time for prayer and spiritual renewal. As Jesus knew and did.
Then, as now, making room for prayer and spiritual renewal in our lives can help us know where best to direct our attention. As Jesus knew and did.
Then, as now, individuals can see the divine image and spirit present within others. As Jesus did. When we serve others, we also serve the Christ presence within them. We may learn to say silently (or out loud), “The Christ in me greets the Christ in you,” as the Quakers have taught. We may even learn to mean it, in a free and loving and merciful, gracious way.
That, I suppose, is one of the distinctions between modern charity and genuine works of mercy. Charity often treats people as objects, as means to feel better about ourselves, as “jewels” in a heavenly crown. Mercy sees the divine in others; mercy acknowledges that we share in the same humanity and needs as others. Mercy sees that in the eyes of the Holy One, we’re all equally loved and cherished. Mercy acknowledges connections and makes room for relationship. Mercy flows freely, without judgement or an expectation of reward or sense of social hierarchy.
So, in our service to others…
…may we always seek to remember that through the Divine presence in all, they are our equals as kin and neighbor.
…may we always remember to be attentive and alert to the individuals in front of us rather than lumping them into an anonymous, abstract category.
…may we be willing to acknowledge our own needs and vulnerabilities and receive help as well as extend it
…may we be willing to be changed and transformed by the touch of those we serve, for Christ is present there seeking always to bring us new awareness, fresh insight, and renewed life for all.
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
-Rev. Ruth Moerdyk