Compassion

Readings for Monday August 3, 2009

First Reading: Numbers 11:4-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 81
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21


When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. (Matthew 14:13-14)

In today's gospel reading we read of the spectacular miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. While this miracle certainly showcases the wonders of God, it also gives us great insight into something else. At the beginning of the reading, we are told that when Jesus saw the crowd, "his heart was moved with pity for them." We see here that Jesus is paying attention to the people and seeing their many needs, and He is also showing His great compassion for His children. Many times we think that our problems are too small or that God doesn't care about us and our issues. But when we read passages such as today's, we should see and understand that God is always there watching us; and when we hurt and ache, His heart is moved with pity for us. When we are in need and in distress, His heart is full of compassion for us. When we are lost and broken, He is there.

We should never think that God does not care about us or have time for us, because He always does; not just once in a while or sometimes ... but always! The question that we have to ask ourselves is that when we are in need, who do we run to? Is the first person we run to God, or is it someone/something else? While God is there waiting and wanting to help, He does not force Himself on us, He gave us each a free will to be able to choose Him. If we truly want the life that He offers, then we must turn to Him. If we want the precious bread of life that He offers to us each day, then we must run to Him.

Let us remember that God gives love and mercy abundantly, and He is always ready to reach out to you and me with a heart full of compassion.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord we praise you for always seeing our needs and for always taking care of us. Lord nothing on this earth compares to you, help us to put our trust in you instead of earthly things. You are our great God who love us unconditionally, help us to never take you for granted. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.