Jesus Feeds the Hungry
Tony Fischer, 2009

Dear friends,

Today, I would like to reflect on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 25:31-46. This passage speaks of the coming of the Son of Man and the judgment of the nations.

Buddhists and Christians both believe in the importance of compassion and altruism, and this passage resonates deeply with those values. The Son of Man, who represents the divine judgment, separates the sheep from the goats based on their actions towards others. The sheep are those who have shown compassion and kindness to the needy, while the goats are those who have neglected or ignored those in need.

This passage emphasizes the importance of helping others in need, not just for their benefit, but also for our own spiritual growth. All beings are interconnected, and therefore, our actions have consequences not just for others but also for ourselves. When we help others, we create positive karma, which can lead to our own spiritual development.

Furthermore, this passage reminds us that the ultimate judgment of our lives will not be based on our wealth, status, or accomplishments, but on how we have treated others. This is a powerful reminder to prioritize our relationships with others and to cultivate compassion and kindness in our daily lives.

As we reflect on this passage, let us remember the importance of compassion and altruism in our lives. Let us strive to be like the sheep, who have shown kindness and compassion to others, and let us work towards creating a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

May we all be inspired by the teachings of Jesus and the values of compassion and kindness that are present in all religions and traditions.

Thank you.