“HIS HEART WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION FOR THEM”

PREAMBLE

Words can sometimes get in the way of the “Word” heard in silence. That Divine Word who became a human being, like us in every way, but pure of Heart, able to see God, reflect God, be God, as the eternal Word IN whom all things were made, and FOR whom all things were made. Imagine that kind of vulnerability – God becomes man, the “BREAD OF GOD” that brings life to the world, born in a stable, sleeping in a manger (“bread bin”) born in a town literally called “house of bread” (Beth-=house + lehem=bread).

This reflection is to direct and focus the mind and heart to the “one thing necessary” – to be at the feet of Jesus, like Mary (but not the mary who did that in the house with Martha, rather, the dear Mother of Jesus who kept everything in her heart from the moment of the great announcement, a heart that was also pierced and suffered with Jesus in all His sufferings for us:

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”  [Luke 2:34=35]

That complete surrender was from the announcement of the Angel Gabriel:

““I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” [Luke 1:36]

…to His death on a cross:

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…” [John 19:25]

Jesus truly is “Compassion” – He sacrificed Himself to be for us always, bringing forth and realizing the Father’s Will to rescue His children from the slavery of sin and death.

The Greek Word that is translated into “compassion” (or “pity” in some translations) is splagehnizomai:

This is the closest the Greek language really gets to describing what for the people of God in the Old Testament Scriptures simply referred to as one’s “heart”.

The English translation of this Greek term into compassion is very good, because it captures the essential meaning of “being with” or uniting with someone in their suffering and affliction – actually “suffering” with them. 

Compassion is Jesus – who is always being moved to act in service to us, out of love for us, offering His forgiveness for our sins and healing our infirmities:

 “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him” (Matthew 20.32-34).

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [Matthew 9: 36]

“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”” [Mark 1:14]

“And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things” [Mark 6:34]

“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”” [Luke 7:13]

“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.'” [Matthew 15:32]

“So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.” [Matthew 20:34]

“However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”” [Mark 5:19]

THERE ARE MANY MORE PASSAGES!

DAILY PRAYER

“Father in heaven, we ask that you give us this day your most Holy Son Jesus, the Bread that comes down from heaven and gives us life. Help us make more of an effort today and everyday to reflect more on the great compassion of Jesus, his longing to bring us back to union with you Almighty God.  That compassion cost Him everything, yet he was submissive to your Will and suffered for us by suffering with us. 

Give us your Holy Spirit so that we may emulate the compassion of Jesus in our own lives today by surrendering our will to you so that your Will can be accomplished in us, for the greater good and salvation of others, in the same Spirit of selfless “other-centered” compassion that moved Jesus to act – give us a deep affection in our most inward parts so that we too will be moved by compassion to act in service to others as well.”  Amen