Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Romans 8:12-17; Luke 13:10-17)
James Doty teaches brain surgery at Stanford. He also gives lectures and writes books on
human interaction. Dr. Doty says that people
would be happier and more helpful if they stopped judging others and showed
compassion. Compassion, he stresses, is
the recognition of the suffering of another with a desire to alleviate that
suffering. No doubt, Doty could use Jesus
in today’s gospel as an exemplar of compassion.
Jesus knows that some disapprove of healing on the sabbath,
but he is so moved by the woman’s long suffering that he acts to help her. He can show compassion despite the inevitable
criticism because he does not need others’ approval. Probably Mary and Joseph encouraged Jesus to
help others. But more decisive was his confidence in his heavenly Father’s love
and support.
Jesus’ mission is to bestow that love on the world. He will preach it to all who care to
listen. He will help those in distress often
without their asking assistance.
Finally, he will give his life to free us from guilt so that we may have
compassion for others.
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