During the Lenten season, we are invited to examine our relationship with God and with our neighbours.

The Gospel text challenges us to be true witnesses of Christ's love especially to those who are needy in our society. In Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II invites us to have greater love for the poor. He challenges us with this "The century and the new millennium now beginning will need to see with greater clarity, to what length of dedication the Christian community can go in charity towards the poorest. In our contemplation of Christ, we must learn to see Him in the faces of those with whom He Himself wanted to be identified." This is precisely what the Gospel reading reminds us of today. We are told that this Gospel text is not a simple invitation to charity.

So let us take up this challenge. Let us share what we have and most importantly, ourselves, with those who are marginalized, exploited, abused in our midst. In this way we learn to see His face in them.