The scripture readings for today can be found at Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr | USCCB
In our
first reading for today from Hebrews we are being reminded of what it truly
means to be a Christian. Not only are we to love God with our whole mind, body,
and soul, but we are also to love our neighbors as ourselves. As we give
hospitality to others in our lives, Hebrews tells us that it’s possible that we
may have unknowingly entertained angels.
Hebrews
goes on to remind us to be mindful of prisoners. This reflects what the Lord
Jesus taught us in Matthew, chapter 25, with the judgement of the nations.
Among the list of people that represented the Lord, Jesus said, I was “in prison and you visited me.’” (Mathew 25:36) All through
this chapter, Jesus was teaching us that what we do for others, whether they be
hungry, thirsty, naked or in prison, we do it for the Lord. Our Lord says in
the Gospel of Matthew: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) There are many ways to answer God’s
call of love for others. Visiting prisoners, for example, could be more than
visiting those in prison, but also visiting a lonely elderly neighbor, or
visiting those in a nursing home who have no family to visit them. They feel as
much imprisoned as those who may be serving time for a crime.
In the letter to the
Hebrews, we are further reminded to remain faithful in our marriage vows,
showing mutual respect and love between husband and wife. And it goes on to
teach us to be free of love of money. Money is only a tool and should not
become an idol, replacing our love of God. God should always be the center of
who we are as Christians.
Today’s reading from Hebrews
concludes with the suggestion to imitate those early Christians who spoke the
word of God that has been handed down to us in scripture. We are to imitate
their faith in Jesus Christ. We are to love and serve God in all we do, and we
are to bring the love of God to a world that so desperately needs the love,
healing, and peace that only can come from God.
Lord Jesus, help us to be true
examples of your love in a world that is in so need of your love, peace, and
healing.
Unfortunately the current COVID-19 restrictions are very strict about visiting elderly people in nursing homes & rehabs. Thankfully family can visit for restricted times & must have frequent COVID tests.
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER, prior to COVID-19 & hopefully when the coronavirus crisis has subsided even further, there were & will be again opportunities to visit elderly patients in nursing homes & rehabs.
In 2018 when my Mom was in a rehab facility for OT & PT following surgery for a broken ankle I spent a lot of time with my Mom in the "day room" At that time there were many residents who hardly ever received visitors so Mom & I always tried to extend kindness by speaking with them & providing whatever help we could,within the boundaries of the rules of the facility & the staff.