Imagine you had the opportunity to care for Jesus in some way while He lived here on earth. Imagine seeing our Lord in need… we wouldn’t hesitate to help Him! Whether we needed to get Him something to drink, prepare a meal for Him, bring Him a blanket, help Him carry something heavy, or simply give Him a hug, we would jump at the opportunity to care for our Lord and to serve Him in any way He needed.

Jesus’ love for us is overwhelming. The price He paid for us is unfathomable. And we would all desire a chance like this to demonstrate our love for Him in return.

Yet, our Lord explains in today’s Gospel that we have the opportunity to care for Him in this way by how we treat others in our lives every day.

He says, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 NABRE)

Every time we care for someone or serve others, Jesus says that we are caring for and serving Him. How often do we miss out on opportunities to care for Jesus by overlooking or neglecting the needs of others?

We must learn to see the Lord in others, and tend to them just as we would tend to Jesus, because ultimately, that is exactly who we are caring for.

So, every time you cook dinner for your family, help someone out with a project or chores, say something kind to someone, pay for another’s bill, or simply offer someone a smile, remember that your actions have eternal merit, for you are doing those things for our Lord Jesus.