Reflecting the love of Jesus

The passage in Matthew 25:31-32 depicts Jesus' return in power. He will come in his glory, with all the angels, seated on his throne, and he will separate the peoples as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. This scene not only foretells a coming event, but also calls us to examine our own lives.

The image of the shepherd is significant. In biblical times, although sheep and goats grazed together, these flocks had very different characters. Sheep listen to their shepherd's voice, depend on him and trust him. Goats, on the other hand, are independent by nature. So Jesus uses this metaphor to remind us that it's not enough to look good, but that what's important is to follow him with all our heart.

As Jesus calls us to reflect his love, we must ask ourselves whether we are living in the image of his sheep, obeying the sound of his voice, and loving our neighbor as he has loved us. Serving others, especially those in need, is a way of following Jesus and honoring him. So our works of compassion towards the least of these are ultimately a way of serving Jesus himself.

Pasteur Clémentine