“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
By Bishop Jarod Cruthis
Jesus is quite clear in today’s Scripture and throughout the Scriptures, that He is no respecter of persons. Jesus is a perfect example of loving everyone equally, embracing each class, culture, and ethnicity. He embraces them not on the basis of what they are doing or have done, but out of compassion for their hurt. Jesus sees the pain and goes to those who are hurting and less fortunate with a mission. This mission is to first meet the need so that their eyes are opened to the One who meets every need.
Just like Jesus, we have a mission field in front of us everywhere we go. If you plant your foot, there in front of you is the mission. It is His desire that we reach out to everyone so that first we meet them at their point of need, and then as their eyes are opened to the power of the Cross, it is then that we are able to compassionately but boldly share about the life-changing power of our Savior, Christ Jesus.
Is there anyone that Jesus would not touch…anyone He did not die for? The answer is clear from Genesis to Revelation. He gave Himself to all, as should we. Today I challenge us all. Pay attention to your surroundings. Listen carefully when people speak even if in passing. Where there is a need, there is Jesus if we allow ourselves to be used by Him. As St. Vincent himself said, “We should groan under the burden of the poor and suffer with those who suffer, otherwise we’re not disciples of Jesus Christ.”