In this parable, Jesus reminds his followers that discipleship is about putting feet on our faith. The way we serve others is the best testimony to what we believe and to what our values are. Quite often, we do not even recognize the significance of those things we do or do not do to others, but Jesus reminds us that he is there in each of those decisions.
Make a mental list of those times when you addressed the need of another. Maybe you donated to a food bank, maybe you gave a bottle of water to a homeless person holding a sign on the corner, maybe you smiled warmly at the frazzled mother of a toddler, maybe you refrained from taking that cheap shot on Facebook. Hear the Good Shepherd commending you, saying, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.”
Next, offer a prayer of confession for those times you did not notice the need or you saw it and failed to respond. Hear the Good Shepherd say, “You are forgiven, child, now go and give it another shot.”