Lent 2026 Guide-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 13
prison and visit you?’ Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that
when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you have done it for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Get
away from me, you who will receive terrible things. Go into the unending
fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. I was hungry and
you didn’t give me food to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything
to drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you
didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit
me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’
Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of
the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’ And they will go away into
eternal punishment. But the righteous ones will go into eternal life.
– Matthew 25:34-45
Reflection
In these days of turmoil and fear, Jesus makes it so easy for us to know what
we need to do in order to love one another. It’s meaningful to reflect on
those times in our lives when we have helped the stranger in our midst, and
on those times when we failed to help the stranger.
Action in Contemplation
This Lenten season, commit to a few ways where you can live out the gospel
of hospitality and love. One reason I was so drawn to Plymouth is the
commitment to social justice. Here are a few examples of how you can get
involved in Plymouth ministries for our neighbors: Transition from Prison
Ministry, Food Buddies, serving meals at Central Iowa Shelter and Services,
and donating to the Free Little Food pantry. What other ideas can you
imagine? If possible, share your ideas with others!
– Sarah Hayes, Peace and Justice Committee
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