A Meditation

FOR august 2, 2020
Based on Matthew 14: 13-21

SERVE WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION

When Jesus learned that John the Baptist was arrested and beheaded at the bizarre request of the daughter of Herodias, He (Jesus) was obviously very saddened. Wanting to be alone he took a boat to go to a quiet place. But the people followed him on foot because they wanted to have their lives to be touched by Jesus. We are told that on seeing the crowd, he had compassion on them, and ministered to their sick.

Jesus also used the occasion to teach His disciples then, and us today, to teach the need to have love and compassion for the many persons who have needs and are seeking real fulfillment in their lives, especially in this time when there is so much despair in the world.

As evening descended, the disciples recognized the physical need of the crowd - their hunger, but seemed to think they could do nothing about it, except to ask Jesus to send them away to purchase food.

Their intentions may have been good in wanting the people to have food. They also may have felt that by sending the people away, Jesus would have time to himself to mourn the death of John the Baptist.

Jesus’ reply is very instructive: “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
The compassionate Jesus placed the needs of others ahead of his own needs and his desire for solitude. At the

same time he gave the disciples the responsibility to see to the needs of the people.

We have around us in these troubling times, numerous persons at all levels of the health care system, who have to be away from family, friends and loved ones. Doctors and Nurses, first responders and caregivers, those on the front lines, are all serving the needs of others, often at great risk to themselves and their own families. They demonstrate in a practical way the compassion that Jesus taught his disciples to have, as they care for those affected directly and indirectly by COVID 19. Many are conscious that they are performing a vital ministry in the name of Jesus. Some may not be aware of it, but God in Jesus Christ is working in and through each one, even using this pandemic teach the value of true compassion.

: “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

In the epistle of James the question is asked: What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? (James 2:14-16).

This is a question each of us must ask when faced with situations of need.

We know of many who have lost jobs or are on reduced hours. Many cannot meet their basic daily needs, people are stressed - physically and mentally and emotionally. There is now the added concern about children going back school in the middle of a pandemic. In short, there are many persons with different needs and issues affecting them in body, mind, heart and spirit. They should not be shunned, ignored or turned away in their time of need. I suggest that the greatest need is to have, peace of mind and hope by experiencing the love and compassion of Jesus as he works through his followers.

In Isaiah 55: 1, the invitation was issued: 1"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you , who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and cost.

What does this require of us? That we open our bowels of compassion and minister to others. We must be willing “to labor and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will.” (Quote from the prayer of Saint Ignatius).

When Jesus commissioned the disciples to minister to the needs of the people they responded: We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish”. Inadequate? Well, Jesus took what was available, and giving thanks, he broke the bread and gave to the disciples to be shared. What was deemed to be inadequate, (ONLY) fed five thousand men plus women and children until they were satisfied, with 12 baskets of broken pieces left over.

When placed in the hands of God in Jesus Christ, that which is perceived to be inadequate will produce blessings beyond measure as he works in and through us.

So, let us not pass up the opportunities which abound to touch lives with love and compassion by finding reasons or excuses or feeling that we are somehow not suited for the task. Remember that having love and compassion for others in not a matter of feelings or our own will power. It comes to us and through us by the work of the Holy Spirit, who instills in us the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and leads us to minister as He directs.

AMEN