In today's Gospel reading, Jesus provides us with clear directions on what it means to love and serve Him. He reveals to us that the ultimate criterion of His judgment will be the tangible ways that we showed mercy and compassion to others, and in doing so, showed mercy and compassion to Him. At the time of our judgment, He will say to each of us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

As I reflect on this message from Jesus, these words from my first-ever Education Studies class leap to mind:

“The implementation is the fight.”

My professor would often repeat this phrase in the context of combating inequality in education. In class, our group discussions would lead us to recognize many persistent disparities in access to quality education. Yet at the end of our discussions, we were always faced with the challenge of implementing solutions. This process is always the hard part. It is often fraught with obstacles, resistance, and a call to challenge the status quo.

Similarly, in the broader context of serving our Creator, we recognize what the law of the Lord is. In today’s psalm, we even rejoice in the command and the precepts of the Lord. We know that His words are Spirit and life. Therefore, in many instances, it might be easy for us to follow His commands or volunteer our time and talents to help others. 

But at other times, we may see brokenness in the world, and we might freeze, be cruel, or be indifferent. Why? Because the implementation is the fight. We know that God calls us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, care for the ill, and visit those in prison. But these actions are not always easy or convenient. Lent is a season to put in the extra effort and the extra fight – a season to pay closer attention to the poor, the suffering, and those in need. It is a time to show God's love and comfort because we have felt God's love and comfort. It is a time to embody our beliefs through action.

In the coming Lenten days, let us be guided by today’s demands to fight for others.

Lord of Love, this Lent, open our eyes to see the needs of the “least brothers” around us. May we be stirred into action knowing that when we embrace the marginalized, we also embrace You. Let the example of Christ's life remain in our hearts. Amen.