COMPASSION

Vol 13 No 9

July 1, 2014

Dear Friend,

A short moving video was in the news last week. The Pope traveling in southern Italy noticed a bedridden girl with her family along the side of the road and had his car pull over. He kissed the girl, touched a baby held up to him and touched many others before leaving with sounds of many people crying, “Grazie (thank you).” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e64S4oTMuZs

It reminds me of a story that must have been amazing to watch unfold. Jesus is walking to a town called Nain and his disciples and a large crowd were walking with him. He comes upon the funeral procession of the only son of a widow walking out from the town accompanied by a large crowd.  

With these two large crowds intermingling and looking on, Jesus immediately has compassion for this mother and says, “Do not weep,” walks over and says, “Young man, I say to you arise.” The dead man sat up, spoke and Jesus gave him to his mother. If the people there spoke Italian, believe me you would have heard a lot people crying, “Grazie.”

The verb translated, “compassion,” means to move in the inward parts. In other words, Jesus saw the desperation of the mother and he felt it with her. His stomach tightened and he acted in love.

When you see a person in distress and feel your inner self tighten in identity and sorrow with that person, then find some way to insert your presence and love into that person’s life. Jesus will be feeling the same thing and acting with you.

Joy to you –

E. Stanley Ott