Whatever You Do for One of the Least of These, You Do for Jesus
Matthew 25:34-40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
As you may or may not know, CHS has a ministerial relationship with a local assisted living community in Sarasota called Manor Care. For going on 8 years now, every month we visit and lead worship services for its residents (including the Alzheimer's Unit). We even have parishioners who bring their licensed pet therapy dogs to visit with the people there!
As is the case with so many of the extremely vulnerable during this time, Manor Care residents have been locked down with no one to visit them. Sadly, even when things clear, many will still have no one visit them.
This last Tuesday, the Manor Care Activities Director carried Vicki Thomas and I on her iPad down hallways and in and out of rooms, so we could Facetime with some of the residents. It was good to see many whom we've not been able to be with for a while now. We laughed together, prayed with them, and were very blessed!
In this time when it can feel like we're powerless to do anything or make a difference, here is an opportunity to do something tangible for others who are among the most vulnerable. CHS has been allowed to give the Manor Care residents greeting cards - just simple notes of encouragement, remembrance, and love.
So please, we're asking each of us to write or make 3 cards and send them to the CHS office (129 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229). We'll collect them and drop them off for the Activities Director to give out to every resident in Manor Care.
Have fun! Write a card or make your own card. Write some words of encouragement and love. Add your favorite prayer. Don't forget to sign your name! Let's touch some hearts. They are precious in God's sight, and many are like children in their heart. Jesus loves ALL the children of the world. Thank you for being the voice and heart of Jesus!
Please send us your cards by May 4.
Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for Jesus (cf. Matthew 25:40).
Let us pray:
O God, thank you that you forget no one. You know every hair on our head and even know every word before it comes forth from our mouth. Help us to remember those who feel left behind, those who are not sought after nor even valued as newsworthy. Give us your heart for others, that whole worlds of blessing be opened up to us for your glory. And may your light and love cast out the darkness that too easily invades the corners of the weak and lonely. In Jesus name, Amen.