Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mt 9:32-38

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

I still remember what a bishop said when he visited the seminary. He said, “Future priests when you serve in a parish, may be blamed for lacking administrative knowledge. That is fine. You can be blamed for lacking theological insights for the homily. That is fine. However, it is crucial to remember that that you are never, never, never be under any circumstances, found lacking in compassion or empathy for your people.”

We live in a world that is rich with many things, especially since it seems we have almost everything we need for life. However, if we reflect carefully, we may realize that we are also lacking many essential things. Lack of compassion is one of the biggest problems today. This is a universal truth that binds us all. If people knew how to show compassion, there would be no wars. If people are moved with pity for their brothers and sisters around them, then they will treat each other with love. Jesus’ heart is always moved with pity for each of us; therefore, we are invited to do the same thing as Jesus. This call to compassion is universal, it connects us all and makes us part of a larger community.

Father Anthony de Mello tells a true story.

It happened in Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in the world.

There was a man walking home after a hard working day at the factory. Because he was so tired, he stopped to rest under a tree along the roadside and fell asleep without realizing it. His tired face made people think that he was a fainted beggar. And people felt sorry for him, they were moved with pity for him. Everyone who passed by put a few coins or money in his hat.

When he woke up, the old worker was very surprised to see that his hat was full of coins and money; the amount of money counted was more than one day's work. He smiled and thought to himself that he was a reluctant beggar.

On his way home, he saw many blind and disabled beggars; he felt pity for them. Then, he quietly divided the money he had just received equally, giving them all the money. And more than anyone else, that poor worker understood that receiving and sharing are both incomparable happiness. The joy of sharing, of helping those in need, is a warmth that fills the heart and brings happiness.