THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT SURPRISE. PART TWO

We grew up with this parable. Almost every time we hear preaching on this passage we are challenged to be like the sheep. We are called to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, care for the sick, and welcome strangers. We are challenged to care, especially, for the least. And we are cautioned about imitating the goats.

In other words, if we love God, we should care for the least among our sisters and brothers. If we don't, then we really don't love God.

But why call it the Parable of the Great Surprise if we already know what the story wants us to do? And not to do?

My friends, take note that both groups were surprised. Those who were blessed did not expect their blessing. Those who were cursed did not expect their plight.

The parable is not about charity. The parable is not about loving God. The sheep did not do what they did for God. This is why they were surprised when they were blessed. They said, "We did not do any of these for you!"

And the cursed ones? They did not do anything to help their sisters and brothers. Even if they did help, they would be doing it for God. Again, the parable is not about loving God.

Never forget this: the blessing is based on what you do for people for people's sake; not what you do for people for God's sake.

Surprised?! SURPRISE!

P. S. How does Paul, who probably wrote half of the New Testament, sum up the Law? One commandment. Love your neighbor!

*art, "Food for the Hungry, Drink for the Thirsty," relief sculpture at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Biberach, Germany), from the vanderbilt divinity library digital archives.

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT SURPRISE

Sheep and goats usually make up the same flock. Many people cannot tell them apart, especially sheep and goats in Asia and Africa. But shepherds know.

Sunday's lection use sheep and goats to make a similar point about people. One cannot tell the blessed from the cursed. But the Son of Man, like a shepherd, knows.

Of course, there are those who are so sure they are blessed and claim they know how to tell them apart. And they have cherry-picked Bible verses to prove it!

But Sunday's lection reminds us that only one really knows how to separate the blessed and the cursed. And it is not me. Nor you.

The blessed were surprised. So were the cursed. Every. One. Was. Surprised!

Don't forget this, ever: God is a God of surprises!

*photo by Aaron Cederberg from the Library of Congress, "Sheep and Goats being taken to Market" (Jerusalem, Palestine).