Saturday of the First Week of AdventIn the opening line of today’s Gospel, we hear that “Jesus’ heart was moved with pity.” He was filled with compassion for those who were troubled. The word compassion is used many times within the New Testament to describe God, the Good Samaritan and Jesus. Each time, compassion conveys the sense of a deep, physical and emotional response to another’s needs. The helplessness of the “troubled and abandoned” crowd who are “like sheep without a shepherd” moves Jesus to “send out laborers” – his own twelve disciples – to do as he himself does: proclaim the kingdom, heal the sick and lepers, raise the dead, and drive out demons. The compassion of Jesus – and the compassionate reign of God – is manifest in concrete relief extended to those who suffer. It is up to all of us, each and every day, to engage in the ministry of compassion as part of our call as missionary disciples. The urgency of divine compassion teaches us that our ministry is one of mercy. There are always people “without a shepherd:” the teen who needs an adult other than a parent to guide him or her on the right paths; the lost traveler who might inconvenience us when he or she asks for a bit of our time for giving directions; younger children who are looking for the companionship and guidance of a big brother or sister; the coworker who needs a listening ear; the mail carrier who might need a friendly smile and bit of encouragement in inclement weather. This Gospel passage reminds us that we have been shown compassion by a loving God and we, in turn, are to give to others what we have received “without cost.” May our Advent journey be filled with compassion to all of our brothers and sisters, especially to those who are “troubled and abandoned” in their lives. Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl is the Director of Diocesan Social Action Office for the Southwestern part of the Diocese of Cleveland, and a member of the Leadership Team for Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry. |
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