Where do You Find Christ?

Written by Jerin Philip on Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Whenever I prepare for Lent, I think about all the obstacles in the way of living a Christ-centered life. I make plans to finally conquer that sin or spend this much more time each day in prayer. In short, I attempt some sort of personal transformation that I think will bring me closer to Christ. In a quest for holiness, I focus inward.

Today’s Gospel reminds us to also look outward when seeking Christ. At the gates of heaven, Jesus will say he knows us if we have taken action to help the least of our brothers and sisters. We will know Christ when we have fed him, clothed him, and visited him. We will find Christ in the outskirts of our society, in the faces and hands of those who need our charity the most.

I think back to the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday when Jesus refers to what are perhaps the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. If you, like me, often forget to integrate the latter element, let us then work to find Christ by giving to others, casting ourselves as a blessing to our brothers and sisters.

Reflection Questions
In what ways can I come to know Christ through charitable action this Lent?
What is God calling me to do for my brothers and sisters, especially those who may be cast aside by society?

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Jerin Philip
Jerin came to St. Mary’s as an eager undergrad before graduating in Biomedical Engineering (’06) and coming back for Public Health (’13). He currently makes the long commute to Lansing to work for the Department of Health and Human Services. He has enjoyed participating in SCCs, RCIA facilitation, and writing for St. Mary’s blog. 
Email: jerinp@gmail.com