Imagine if Jesus came to you in poverty, hunger and cold and
He asked you to care for Him. This
experience might startle you and cause you to question if this person really
was Jesus. But it is Jesus. Jesus comes to us every day in the person who
is in need. It may be that we encounter
someone who is homeless, hungry and in need of clothing. If this is the case then this is Jesus. But there are many whom we encounter every
day who have a different form of hunger and thirst. Many are starving for love, understanding,
compassion and attention. They may
present an exterior that is unwelcoming, but inside they are our Lord, seeking
to receive mercy from your heart. Do not
hesitate to see our Lord present in every person you encounter. Lavish the mercy of your heart on them,
especially the most pitiable soul, and you will have lavished your love on
Jesus Himself (See Diary #1312).
How do you treat the poor and the beggar? Start by thinking about those with physical
needs but move deeper to consider all those who carry other needs. Think about the hard of heart, the sinner,
the proud, the arrogant, the person filled with anger, etc. Every person you call to mind is our Lord
coming to you for a taste of the mercy of your heart. Whatever you do to the least of these, you do
to Christ. Do you believe this? If you do then this belief must have the
practical consequences of you showing mercy to everyone, especially those whom
you find most difficult to love. Ponder
this practical question today and make a commitment to seek out our Lord in the
next “beggar” that you meet, no matter how undesirable they appear.
Lord, I love You and I
realize that I must seek You out in each person I encounter. Give me the eyes to see You and a heart to
love You. As I love You in others, dear
Lord, allow the mercy in my heart to give you a sweet delight. Jesus, I trust in You.
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