How many times have you heard the parable of the sheep and the goats? This parable is one of the key passages that underlies what modern theologians call "The Social Gospel" and it was foundational to much of the work of the ancient monastic orders and, indeed of the newer ones too - like the "Missionaries of Charity" founded by Mother Theresa. The parable encourages us to look at other people and see them as an embodiment of Jesus himself. Everyone is precious and deserving of our respect and concern.