by Virginia Rahilly, RDC
As I reflect on the meaning of compassion, being with another in sorrow and difficult situations with tenderness and understanding, I am reminded of experiences I have had with physically and mentally challenged individuals. These children and adults exercised great compassion toward each other, despite their own difficulties.
How often in scripture do we read of Jesus acting with great compassion toward those in distress. There was the cure of the lepers, the blind man given sight, the crippled beggar made to walk. With the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said to those ready to through the stones at her, "The one who is without sin throw the first stone;" they turned and walked away.
These are just a few of Jesus' compassionate acts. He did not pick and choose but responded to all those in need, Jew or Gentile, slave or free. In the 25th Chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus states that what we do for one another, we do for Him. He speaks of feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting those in prison.
Today there are so many who are compassionate to others. Sometimes people fall into unfortunate circumstances and need the help of others. The Residence for Mother and Child where I volunteer is just such a place. Here women and their children receive shelter, and, while the woman works or goes to school, her child is in a caring environment. There is no discrimination as to race, color, or creed.
What a better world it would be if we could look with compassion on one another and share our goods and talents with those in need. May we be as Jesus taught us to be: do not judge one another, but rather love one another as I have loved you.
COMPASSION MATTERS – PASS IT ON
