‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
There is a threefold meaning, the first two of which are literal:
These people had indeed seen the poor of whom Jesus speaks but they did not care for them, did not see Jesus in them. “When did we see you in them?” They never did.
These people had not seen the poor that Jesus describes. They did not try to. They avoided all possible contact with these poor ones out of fear, embarrassment, or guilt.
In a less literal sense, each of us every day encounters these poor in ourselves but particularly in our neighbors, family, work colleagues, etc. Let us examine this meaning further.
“Hungry or thirsty” for the Word of God but you did not share it. Hungry and thirsty for the particular gifts each of us are given to build up the kingdom but you did not use them.
“A stranger” to myself but you did not offer the clothing of patience and understanding. You had knowledge of my estrangement to myself and others yet you did not offer me the kindness of companionship.
“Naked” before the gossips and calumnies of others yet you never spoke up in defense of my behalf.
“Sick” born out of the modern diseases of childhood abuse or neglect yet you did not care. Out of fear of what it might cost you, you avoided me so you would not be drained.
“In the prison” darkness of ignorance or self-deception yet you either scoffed at me, avoided me or tried through pride to “liberate me,” when all I needed was your presence. Someone to listen to me. A visit.
Those who minister to their brothers and sisters will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. Those who do not will enter eternal punishment; the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
The body of the church has different members in different situations. But each are called in a special way to serve in one of these three modes discussed.