The Miraculous Effect of Compassion
1 John 4:7-10 / Psalms 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 / Mark 6:34-44
“Jesus saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them.” In another scene, Jesus says, “Be compassionate as my heavenly Father is compassionate.” Today’s Gospel not only draws our minds to the miracle of the multiplication of loaves but also to the miraculous effect of compassion.
To be compassionate is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help. A compassionate person embodies a tangible expression of love for those who are suffering. As the first reading says, “Let us love one another.” Indeed, one who cannot love cannot be compassionate.
As we reflect on today’s message, let us recall the words of 1 Peter 3:8, which gives us a perfect summary: “Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and humble.”
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to cultivate compassion in our hearts. May we recognize the suffering of others and take action to help. Grant us the grace to be like-minded, sympathetic, and humble. May your love shine through us, and may we bring comfort and relief to those in need. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
