A cold dark street. A shivering beggar. A soldier on horseback.
What motivated that soldier to look at the beggar and then to give him half of his cloak? It was the only motivation that matters to Jesus: Love.
Martin did many amazing things in his life. But the reason that this story is so well remembered is because this simple gesture of love was so praised by Jesus who takes every deed we do as done to him.
I think that most of us are not too happy when we think of the ways we’ve treated others and realize that Jesus will say, “You did that to me.”
We know, however, that Jesus is always ready to give us another chance. Who is begging you for love and compassion?