Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40
These words of Jesus are direct and troubling. The point Jesus makes is crystal clear. In the ‘least of these’ Jesus is present and is in solidarity with them. They are, says Jesus, members of my family – the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and prisoners. This family description is paralleled with a list of what is needed: food, water, welcome, clothing, care and visitation. Two lists of real need and real practical response.
The current debate in Australia about preserving wealth and assets has reference points that are very different to those of Jesus. These points of reference seem to be ‘self’ focussed and not ‘other’ focussed.
The pressure being experienced by so many people in our current economic environment is disheartening. Employment, housing, the needs of daily life, justice and compassion are difficult to access and find. Too many of our First Nations Peoples face these and greater pressures. Their struggles are real, basic and often the product of structural and communal racism. What does it mean when these vulnerable people are identified by Jesus as members of his family.
We who have resources are called to provide real and meaningful care in big and small ways, knowing that when we do so we are responding to Jesus. A change of heart is needed with a shift from my needs to the needs of others. This will affirm a priority to care for people with the best of what can be provided.
Churches, corporately and locally, together with others do take action to provide care and action. Much of this is done with limited resources – financial and human and structures of injustice that create generational vulnerability are not ignored.
There is hope in words of Jesus. He says, ‘just as you did it to one of the least of these’ and in parables he affirms that small steps matter (mustard seeds). Care in this pattern is step by step, and one by one. It is for all of us to do what we are able to do and so build transforming change.
Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President