He Stands Before All, Full of Compassion.
Dear Parishioners,
The work of Jesus Christ can be summed up by one word: Compassion. The word compassion means to suffer with someone without minding the cost. Today’s gospel presents to us how Jesus manages the pressures and over-demanding needs of those around him. He stands before all full of compassion; not even the rushing, pushing and shoving of the crowd could stop him from ministering to the people’s needs.
Last week we read how the disciples were sent out in pairs to proclaim the Good News. Now, they returned to Jesus and reported to him all that they have done and taught. Obviously tired and worn out, Jesus offers to take them to a quiet place for relaxation. Unfortunately, the demands of the people coming and going made it impossible for them to rest or to eat. What a great lesson and insight. Jesus anticipates our needs and recognizes when we are tired and overburdened. He knows when sorrow, pain, anxiety and ups and downs of life drown us. He is ever ready to step in and offer us tender care and love.
When the crowds followed Jesus and his disciples, Jesus took pity on them. He saw their anguish and desire to be with him. Although they were tired, he put aside his own needs to care for the needs of these impatient crowds because “they are like sheep without a shepherd” So he spends long time in conversation with them. He welcomes the people, listens to them, provides for their most urgent needs, and speaks when they ask him for advice.
Taking time to talk to Jesus does bring consolation to us. You can spend time in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament or taking time to read the scriptures, especially the Gospel stories. When we read the Bible, God speaks to us in profound ways. When we attend Mass, we enter into communion with Jesus. We are then no longer strangers.
We should always hunger for Jesus’s attention and his words. He notices our fatigue and will always take us to a place of rest if you allow him. He does not send anyone away. “If that is how he was on earth, will he not be the same now that he has risen?” You should not be afraid to approach Jesus. He is our shepherd. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us of the false shepherds and announces a day when the neglectful shepherds of his time would be replaced by a king whose reign would be marked by solicitude. Jesus fulfills the prophetic longings of Jeremiah.
For those of us in the priestly ministry, Jesus gives us a striking lesson on how to put aside our personal concerns for the pastoral needs of others. And for the baptized, it is our duty to help or to be present to others even when it is inconvenient. This attitude creates path to peace. As St. Paul reminds us, peace is within our grasp and Jesus makes it possible for us to attain it.
Compassion leads us to reconciliation and that brings peace to our souls. Today, more than ever, people are longing for peace. They are like sheep without a shepherd. No institution, government or group can offer peace. Only Jesus the Son God and prince of peace can make it possible. Turn to him and you will find true peace.
Grace and Peace To You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
