Loving the Least of These
Service to the marginalized is service to Christ Himself.
Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned: 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' This teaching radically dignifies the marginalized and evaluates authentic faith by compassionate action. Those who served the needy served Christ unknowingly; those who neglected the needy neglected Christ. This teaching has inspired hospitals, orphanages, schools, and ministries throughout Christian history. Mother Teresa saw 'Christ in distressing disguise' in every suffering person she served.
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Mother Teresa spent her life serving 'the poorest of the poor,' finding Christ in each one: 'I see God in every human being.'
Gospel of Matthew
Written about in
- What Christianity says about love
Jesus places himself among the hungry, the sick, the stranger and the prisoner, and says what was done for them was done for him. Love is counted here in meals, clothes and visits.