South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge

                                                    Justice and Compassion...... Celebrating Restorative Justice Sunday

In Matthew's Gospel chapter 25, Jesus teaches the disciples through the parable of the sheep and the goats. This story brings Jesus' teaching to a dramatic climax that literally sums up all of his teaching and reveals what he is all about and what we are called to be as followers of Jesus’ Way. Of course, speaking in language that meets culture, Jesus talks within the context of apocalyptic drama about the separation of people at the end of days. In this case Jesus chooses the image and action of a shepherd sorting out the herds and separating the sheep from the goats. an image that first century Palestinians would clearly understand and relate to. Sheep to the right, goats to the left......... and once separated..... as the story says.....

" Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:

I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped for a visit, I was in prison and you came to me.'            (Matthew 25: 34-36)

In this rich and imaginative parable Jesus goes on to say that the sheep will respond by saying....

    " 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling you the solemn truth:

Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me-- you did it to me.' " (Matthew 25: 40) 

To me this is such a great message that Jesus revealed to the world. It's about recognizing and ensuring that those around us and among us will be cared for. This parable of the sheep and goats doesn't set out belief requirements, doctrines, or creeds. It speaks to how we see Jesus, where we find Jesus, and how we treat one another. It also calls us to intentionally seek those who need help. Each time we do that Jesus is telling us we are helping him. And it goes beyond food, water, housing, clothing. Let's go deeper. Let's look for Jesus in all places, circumstances, conversations and opportunities. In addition to what Jesus says let's consider more opportunities that we are given. Imagine, I was lonely, and you showed me friendship. I was afraid, and you took away my fear. I needed to tell my story and you were there to listen. I was tired and you found a way to give me some rest. I needed some space, and you figured that out and honoured it. I felt useless and you helped me to feel useful.

We may not remember that every time we are talking to someone, " Jesus is in this person". That's ok. It's happened before and it happens again and again. That's why in this parable both the people to the left and to the right of the Son of Man ask,

"Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison?"  (Matthew 25: 37&44)

Because we do not always think like this Mother Teresa rightly said,

" If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten how to see God in one another. If each person saw God in his neighbour, do you think we would need guns and bombs?"

Amen!.......... My beloved friends, may you see the face of Christ in each and every person you meet and may they see the face of Christ in you.

                                                                                    PT

                                                                                   CONTACTS FOR CEMETERY BOARDS

COURTLAND UNITED CEMETERY:        Wayne Cadman   519-688-2345      

CULTUS  CEMETERY:                 Linda Millen  519-875-4657     

South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge...We Are Linked In LOVE!!

CULTUS UNITED CHURCH: Located at  748-6th Concession Road ENR, Cultus, Ontario     WORSHIPS on Sundays at  9:00am        

COURTLAND UNITED CHURCH: Located at 133 Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario            WORSHIPS on SUNDAYS AT 10:30am           

Our Mission Statement:   The South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge is called to be a Christian community empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit and to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT US:   EMAIL: swnpc@yahoo.ca                  Office Phone: 519-688-4050

**** FOR ALL PASTORAL EMERGENCIES  PASTOR TED can be reached at  519-861-9273 ****

OUR MAILING ADDRESS:  South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge, P.O.Box 129, 119 Talbot Road, Courtland, On., N0J1E0

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