Have you had something remind you of a song from the past? How about a song from your youth that is not sung in church today? This happened to me the other day as I was sitting still. The thought of these two songs that I love to sing came to mind, “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” by Peter Scholtes (1 John 4: 7-12) and “Whatsoever You Do To The Least Of My Brothers” by Willard F. Jabusch (Matthew 25: 31-46).
I sat and tried to remember the lyrics but had to look them up online because I could not remember all the verses. As I sang the songs I realized the powerful message they both have. They are telling us to do what Jesus asks of us. “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers (sisters) that you do unto me.” It always amazes me that things I have read, sung or heard many times have this new message that I had not really thought about before. These are the moments I treasure the most because God knows that I am ready to hear and understand them now.
Something I have learned is to trust when things come to mind. I may not know what they mean at the moment but sometime in the future I will realize why. This happens more when I am open to it. Trusting the Lord may not be easy but Jesus never said it would be. But the rewards we receive will be with us always and can help us to live the life that the Lord is calling us to.
There has always been something about both of these songs that felt right in my heart and soul. But I did not really know why until I remembered them recently. This is what being a Christian is all about. Our love for everyone and what we do to others we do to our Lord. Are we doing what we have been called to do?
Breathe, let go, believe, know that the Lord will always be with you by your side to help you to love and do to the least of my brothers and sisters. With the help of our Lord go and do.
-Sr. Barb Knauf
Thanks for the inspiring message. This song was also going through my mind one day.
Interesting how God works in our lives.
Sr Barb, thanks for sharing your reflection. Based on this weeks readings it a great reminder. 🥰
Thank you so much for your reflection, Sr. Barb! It’s a great reminder! Sometimes it is hard to love someone because of the circumstances at the time. Jesus teaches us to always love and to care about that person as we don’t know what they are experiencing at the moment!
Remind us of the past, is right! “They’ll know we are Christians……..” was the opening song for my brother’s wedding. I was in the wedding party, and we walked down the aisle with someone playing a guitar!”
Thank you sister Barb for this wonderful reflection. It’s interesting that and some of the newer hymnals these songs have not been printed. We too often forget what we are called to do. I hope that our actions will show God’s love to one another in this day, and in this moment. Thank you for reminding us of both these songs. “May they know we are Christians by our love.”💕