Through Lent with Pope Francis
Jesus, seeing the crowds of people who followed him, realised that they were tired and exhausted, lost and without a guide, and he felt deep compassion for them (cf. Mt 9:36). On the basis of this compassionate love he healed the sick who were presented to him (cf. Mt 14:14), and with just a few loaves of bread and fish he satisfied the enormous crowd (cf. Mt 15:37). What moved Jesus in all of these situations was nothing other than mercy, with which he read the hearts of those he encountered and responded to their deepest need.
After freeing the demoniac in the country of the Gerasenes, Jesus entrusted him with this mission: “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mk 5:19). The calling of Matthew is also presented within the context of mercy. Passing by the tax collector’s booth, Jesus looked intently at Matthew. It was a look full of mercy that forgave the sins of that man, a sinner and a tax collector, whom Jesus chose – against the hesitation of the disciples – to become one of the Twelve.
Misericordiae Vultus
Scripture
Jesus looks with compassion on the widow
Luke 7: 11-15 NCB
Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. As he drew near to the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his widowed mother.
A large group of people from the town accompanied her. When the Lord saw her, he was filled with compassion, and he said to her, “Do not weep.” After this, he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers halted. Then he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Thought for Today
Whether the Compassion of Jesus was for a widow grieving for her only son, the hunger of a crowd, or a man, Matthew, wasting his life collecting money, Jesus wanted a better and more fulfilling life for people.
Are there any changes you can think of that would make your life more fulfilling?
Can you make such changes? Do you want to make any changes?
Music
Gentle as Silence sung by Marilla Ness, written by Estelle White.