Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 25:31-46)

Lord Jesus Christ, 

You are the Son of Man who will come in glory, surrounded by Your angels, to judge the living and the dead. You reveal to us today that love will be the measure of our lives. Not power, not success, not words, but mercy.

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to recognize You in the hungry and the thirsty, in the stranger and the refugee, in the naked and the sick, in the prisoner and the forgotten. Save us from indifference. Deliver us from the blindness that passes by suffering without seeing You. Teach us that every act of kindness, every hidden sacrifice, every work of compassion is offered to You.

Lord, when we are tempted to close our hearts, soften them with Your grace. When we hesitate to give, remind us that all we have is gift. When fear keeps us distant, draw us near with Your merciful love.

Lord, make us sheep of Your flock, attentive to Your voice, eager to serve, faithful in small acts of charity and when You come in glory, may we hear those blessed words, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father”. For we have sought to love You in the least of our brothers and sisters. Amen