I Was Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, a Stranger...
January 12, 2022
When I come face-to-face with my Maker, I won’t be asked how many illegal immigrants I was able to turn back or how many lazy and underserving people I refused to assist. Rather, scripture tells me:
“He will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’
Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’
And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:41
Sadly, there appears to be a new nationalistic Americanization of scripture that preaches otherwise – Americans first and only those who can demonstrate they deserve it. Followers of that Americanized version appear to be motivated by anger, self-pity and resentment, and more often justify their moral convictions and intolerance using the words of politicians and cable commentators rather than religious leaders.
This passage from Matthew and the parable of the Good Samaritan must be disconcerting to those folks. Perhaps at some point in the not-so-distant future, a group of alt-right Christians will propose that these passages be removed from the Bible, banned in schools, and treated as “fake news”.
Although my inclination is to be fearful, selfish and self-centered, scripture passages like Matthew challenge me to live a life of gratitude, compassion and care for others, including the poor and the immigrant who is fleeing hardship. I recognize that I cannot change the minds and hearts of my angry and resentful neighbors. Instead, I wish to acknowledge my rather foolish and naïve approach to life, and lay the blame for my convictions at my religious upbringing and the loving example of my parents.
