TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY FOURTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
St Robert Bellarmine, B.D. (Opt. Mem.)
1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Luke 7:11-17
THE MEANING AND VALUE OF COMPASSION
The raising of this widow’s son from death by Jesus is another testimony of the power of Jesus to conquer death and give life to humanity. This Jesus did and they recorded various other miracles of bringing the dead back to life. Especially, we know of Lazarus, and the daughter of Jairus. But more than just showing his authority of Jesus over death and his power over the scourges of the underworld, this particular raising from the dead brings teaches us the value and meaning of compassion of Jesus which goes beyond mere feelings, or sentiments of sadness, sorrows or mercy and speaks more of actions of acting to rectify, to remove the sadness, sorrow and replace with joy, happiness and prosperity.
Recall that this woman was described as a widow. In Israel, a widow is one who has no means of support, no protection, no sustenance and greater still is susceptible to any form of humiliation and inhuman living. But the action of Jesus in raising his only Son, brings back her hope, restores her source of happiness, sustenance and protection.
Because the sadness and sorrows in her hearts are consequences of not just the loss of a companion or a dear one but more importantly, the hopelessness of the future and the life of misery that awaits her in the future.
The compassion shown by Jesus is not limited to the feelings or the human affection of sorrows or sadness but transcends that into concrete actions for the wellbeing and betterment of the widow. So, Jesus’ actions is the culmination of the compassion. Compassion of mere feeling or just emotional outburst is not enough. We must engage in concrete actions to render help, to alleviate the person from the sorrow and sadness experienced and to bring in joy and happiness.
That was exactly what Jesus did. He consoles the woman, then went to those carrying the dead son and stopped the bearers and then raised the man from death. That is exactly the whole process of showing compassion.
In imitation of Jesus, we must learn to go beyond showing emotional displeasure, or outburst into acting concretely to alleviate the sorrows and sufferings of others. When we see people in sad and sorrowful situations, we must act concretely and not just express feelings. We may not be like Jesus who possesses the power of raising the dead but we could be sources of strength, joy and happiness in many other ways to victims of sadness and sorrow in our expression of compassion.
Heavenly Father, the widow of Nain was in pains, sorrow, sadness and depression but you came with compassion not just in feeling but concretely bringing back joy and happiness to her by raising her dead son to life. We beg you, touch our lives and show same compassion to us in the various ways we are hurt, and are in sorrows and sadness and alleviate our ugly situation. Help us also to emulate same active compassion of yours and extend it to those who suffer hurts, deprivations and sorrows around us so that they may experience joy, peace, happiness and restored life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
