Encountering Christ in the Marginalised

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in a world so often marred by indifference and self-interest, our Lord Jesus calls us to a higher vision—a calling to see the hurt and needy through the lens of compassion. As Catholics, we are reminded by our Saviour in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” This sacred command challenges us to recognise that each act of mercy, however small, is a direct encounter with Christ Himself.

Our Catholic tradition teaches us that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, endowed with an inherent dignity that no circumstance or social status can diminish. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms, “The human person is the primary value and subject of the ethical inquiries of the Church” (CCC 1700). This truth compels us to respond to the needs of the marginalised with a generous heart. In a culture where many have become numb to the suffering around them, Christ’s example pierces the veil of indifference and invites us into a life of active charity.

Jesus’ earthly ministry was marked by His unwavering compassion. He healed the sick, comforted the sorrowful, fed the hungry, and welcomed the outcasts. When He encountered the woman at the well or the leper shunned by society, He did not shy away from their pain; He embraced them. St. John Chrysostom once observed, “He who is not moved by the afflictions of mankind is not worthy to be called a Christian.” In echoing this sentiment, the Church has long promoted the corporal and spiritual works of mercy as both a response to human need and as a profound means of encountering Christ.

Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasised that “the poor are not poor because of their choices, but because of what we, as a society, have done or failed to do.” His words invite us to re-examine our priorities: to shed the apathy of modern convenience and instead see the face of Christ in the destitute and the despairing. In caring for the marginalised, we do not merely perform acts of charity—we participate in the very life of God. Each meal given to the hungry, each comforting word spoken to the forlorn, each gesture of help offered to the abandoned is a brushstroke in the grand masterpiece of the Kingdom of God.

Consider, for example, the parable of the Good Samaritan—a timeless narrative that transcends time and culture. In this story, Jesus teaches us that mercy recognises no boundaries. It does not matter who the needy are or where they come from; it matters only that we respond with love. Today, in our own communities, we are called to be Good Samaritans—to see not the faults or shortcomings of those who are marginalised, but the divine spark within each precious soul. Whether it is the elderly neighbour who struggles with loneliness or the migrant worker whose dignity has been eroded by hardship, we are invited to extend compassionate hands and listen to their unheard voices.

Our Catholic social teaching, especially the principle of the Preferential Option for the Poor, declares that the needs of the marginalised must always be at the forefront of our efforts. This teaching is not merely a suggestion but a call to concrete action. As Pope John Paul II so powerfully stated, “Do not be afraid to love the poor; for in loving them you love God.” When we serve the poor and the marginalised, we are not undertaking a burdensome obligation but entering into an intimate relationship with Christ. Our acts of mercy become a sacramental participation in the mystery of salvation.

It is one thing to sympathise with the suffering; it is another altogether to act with the love of Christ. I recall a recent parish outreach organised in our local community centre. Volunteers served hot soup to a group of homeless individuals on a cold winter’s evening. Amid the murmur of gratitude and the quiet companionship offered by warm smiles, one could discern the living presence of Christ. One volunteer recounted how a simple conversation with an elderly man, abandoned and forlorn, restored his faith and reminded him of the sacred duty to see Christ in every face. Such ordinary acts of love are profound miracles and a living testimony to our Catholic faith.

Our mission is further illuminated by the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who reminded us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” In these small acts lie the seeds of transformation—both for those we help and for ourselves. When we break bread with the hungry or offer shelter to the displaced, we not only ease their suffering; we also open our hearts to the redemptive power of God’s love, making His Kingdom manifest on earth.

The Church is our home, a sanctuary where all are welcome, especially those who feel unworthy or forgotten. From the bustling corridors of our parish to the quiet rooms of the homeless shelter, the same message resounds: “Come, follow me.” This invitation is extended to every person, regardless of circumstance. St. Augustine wisely proclaimed, “He who prays for the poor and embraces the needy, embraces the Lord.” In our service to the marginalised, we are bound together in a common labour of love and a shared commitment to the Gospel.

Dear friends, let us not grow complacent in the comfort of indifference. Let us remember that every moment of neglect towards another in need is a moment lost in our encounter with Christ. Instead, may our lives be a continuous witness to His mercy. As we leave this place today, let us carry the light of compassion in our hearts. Let every action, big or small, be an offering to the Risen Lord, made manifest in service to those who suffer.

I invite you now to renew your commitment to live out these words in your daily lives. Embrace the corporal works of mercy and let them flow naturally from your faith. Look upon every person through the compassionate eyes of Christ, for in doing so, you are not merely extending a helping hand—you are welcoming Jesus Himself. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen of Charity, intercede for us, and may the grace of the Holy Spirit embolden us to be true instruments of His love.

In a world that so often turns a blind eye, let us be the light that shines against the darkness of indifference, knowing that in every act of genuine compassion, Christ is present. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.