Jesus doesn't hold it against nonbelievers and non-Christians if through no fault of their own they lack explicit faith in him. They're judged on the basis of the light they have received in this life and on their works of mercy and justice. Their light may be no more illuminating than their conscience, energized by good will. Jesus asks basically as much of them as of anyone, namely good works performed for the benefit of the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, prisoners - in a word, for the poor and needy. The traditional corporal and spiritual works of mercy rate high in his judgment.
They are the decisive factor, pro and con, in the final judgment of humankind, bearing more heavily on what is left undone. The sins he takes principally into account are the sins of omission - our failure to serve the poor in the world who represent him, and he in turn decides against all who neglect them (cf. Dt 15:9)
Joseph Fichtner, OSC
Many Things in Parables
Reflections for Life
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