SJO is excited to launch this new monthly installment in our bulletin, where we plan to bring you information about the church’s efforts around social justice and outreach and share opportunities to get involved. We would like to kick-off this new segment by spending some time “unpacking” that Bible passage that you have probably heard congregation members refer to so frequently, Matthew 25:35-36:

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” 

This passage is part of a multi-layered parable (including bridesmaids, bags of gold, and goats!) that Jesus shares to explain the Kingdom of Heaven and how one may gain entrance. He reminds us in Verse 40 that “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” While calling this a “Christian to-do list” may sound a bit transactional, it is interesting that these acts of love—feeding the hungry, taking care of the sick—are still as important today as they were during Jesus’s time.

Each year, St. Martin’s distributes church funds in the community according to the tenets of this passage and it guides our efforts around the identification of recipients of our financial giving, in-kind giving and advocacy. As we examine each part of this verse, we will talk about what our congregation does now and explore other ways to respond to each call to action.

Watch this space as we dive into “For I was hungry and you gave me food” next month!