As we continue our Lenten journey this week, the readings
of today underline the importance of charity, especially at this season. In the
first reading, Moses rolled out to the people several laws regarding how they
were to relate and treat each other. “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely,
nor lie to one another…You shall not oppress your neighbor or rub him.” Life is
so dynamic, and so are the points of human interaction. While the laws guide us
on the right way to treat our neighbor, they cannot make such relationship
perfect.
So, Jesus steps in to show us the perfect way, which is
charity. Yes, charity covers all we are mandated to avoid against our neighbor,
at the same time, it satisfies all we are expected to do for our neighbor. Jesus
said on the last day, the Son of man will come in His glory, and all the angels
with Him, and, sitting on His glorious throne, He will judge all peoples
according to the acts of charity they performed to their neighbor. “Come, O
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food…” On the other hand, those
who failed to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, etc,
will be cast into the eternal fire.
Meditate on the glory of charity as the King comes in His
glory and sits on His glorious throne to separate the righteous from the unrighteous,
i.e. He separates the charitable from the uncharitable. Thus, charity sets us
apart! It is a distinguishing virtue. And it communicates the glory of Jesus. Whenever
we practice almsgiving, especially at this season of Lent, we shall experience a
taste of glory. And this serene joyful touch of glory is proof that a
particular act of charity is true and divinely inspired. Therefore, every act
of almsgiving becomes a step forward into divine glory. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Monday February 27th, 2023.
