In Matthew’s scene of the Last Judgment, we hear Jesus telling a shocking story. A king separates the vast throng into two groups and first addresses those on his right (“the blessed of my Father”) noting:
Brother Roger Moreau, M.S. (4th from left)
with some of his volunteers‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you… in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25: 35-40).
This sounds fair enough. Now the king addresses those on his left (the condemned) and greets them with such direct and seemingly harsh words:
“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,… in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer (the king) and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty… and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’
Of course, as we listen, we no doubt identify ourselves with group, “the blessed of my Father”. Yet how often have we seen needy people and postponed or even refused our help?
Bro. Roger examines the certificates with two of his volunteersJust 25 years ago, the La Salette Missionaries were asked to begin a project with the local Council of Churches to participate in feeding the hungry of our area one day a week. Bro. Roger Moreau, M.S., was asked to lead this ministry and has faithfully offered this service for a full quarter of a century! And his enthusiasm has not waned at all over the passage of time.
We at the La Salette National Shrine are so proud of his dedication and perseverance, with the ongoing assistance of many other people who faithfully pitch in to make this meal a reality each and every week.
I asked Bro. Roger – this gentle and loving man – what he remembers and cherishes about this ministry of mercy? He said: “I just love this ministry. I feel satisfied that we get to meet and help these needy people, who are genuinely responsive and thankful for what little we do for them. I’ve learned that honesty is the best policy and that, deep down, these are just wonderful people.”
Then I asked him how this ministry fits in with our La Salette community’s charism of reconciliation. He said: “Because of this ministry, these many people get to know us well and some even get to like us! It is much like Mary, during the Apparition at La Salette, who encouraged the children to 'Come near' and then spoke with them about their concerns. This is an important aspect of our La Salette charism (or gift) of reconciliation – to connect with people and their daily lives.”
When we are all gathered before the Lord in the Final Judgment, I would bet that Bro. Roger and his band of volunteers will gladly gather in “the blessed of my Father” group and say, “We were glad to do whatever we could to feed ‘these least ones”. Then they can approach to receive their reward for the Lord himself.
Perhaps at that moment event, Jesus will remind all those gathered of a proverb from long ago: “Whoever cares for the poor lends to the Lord, who will pay back the sum in full” (Proverbs 19:17).
(from left:) Certificate of Appreciation to Bro. Roger for 25 years of service to the “Food N’ Friends Daily Kitchen”; Congratulations Cake for Bro. Roger and his team of volunteers