Don Ingram

Love and care for the needy.

I have been a member of St. Alban's for 11 years.  I have served on the Advisory Committee, the Lewis Lunch, the Legacy Campaign, and as Senior Warden, 2019-2023.

Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 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,

Matthew 25:31-36

Click here to read the appointed scripture for Monday in the First Week of Lent.

Devotional

The Gospel passage from Matthew 25:31-36 describes the “judicial process” of separating the sheep from the goats on Judgement Day.  The message that most resonates with me in the reading is Jesus revealing: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”  The message resonates because it follows from the previous passage in Matthew (22:39), “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Christ continues to remind us that we are all members of God’s family, and families are supposed to take care of one another.  He promises us the inheritance of His heavenly kingdom by devoutly following His commandment of loving and caring for others, with special attention to the most needy and vulnerable among us.  We show our love for Him, and glorify Him, through our love and acts for others.  During the Lentin season, this theme can be a special message that can translate into actions of caring for another person.  Having read this passage and understanding its meaning, I am inspired to search more intently for such opportunities in my daily life.

At Easter, I will be reminded and humbled that any sacrifices that I have made in such efforts are minimal in comparison to the sacrifice that Christ made, but He will be pleased and glorified by my service to His family.