1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Psalm 99(100)
Luke 7:11-17
BE COMPASSIONATE! WHO kNOWS WHAT MIRACLE MIGHT COME FORTH
In numerous instances throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as becoming involved in the suffering or bereavement of others. The Gospel of Luke, in particular, vividly portrays such a scene.
As Jesus and a sizable crowd approach the city of Nain, they encounter a funeral procession. The deceased is described as a young man, “the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.”
While the focus often centers on the miraculous revival performed by Jesus, it is crucial not to overlook the initial response described by Luke. Upon seeing the grieving mother, Jesus was moved with compassion for her.
This underscores the significance of compassion preceding the miracle. The narrative suggests that the miracle stemmed from Jesus’ compassion, as he revived the woman’s son only after deeply empathizing with her.
St. Thomas Aquinas, the eminent theologian of the thirteenth century, asserted that compassion is the paramount characteristic of God, representing the quality that most fully reveals God’s nature.
He contended that God’s power is a power of compassion, and we, as beings created in the image of God, are most akin to God when we exhibit compassion. This perspective offers insight into the crowd’s declaration about Jesus after the gospel: “God has visited his people.”
When we extend to others, particularly the most distressed and desolate, the compassion demonstrated by God in Christ, we continue to embody God’s visitation. Leading with compassion may indeed pave the way for unforeseen miracles.
Fr Joseph Osho
