Daily Thought For December 2, 2020

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 His Heart Was Moved With Pity

Lectio

Matthew 15:29–37

Meditatio

“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.”

Today’s Gospel visibly demonstrates Jesus’ compassion in word and action. After days of following the Master, the crowd longs for his presence, his words, and his saving deeds. Jesus also knows the people are hungry! “My heart is moved with pity.…”

As the Teacher climbs the mountain and sits before the crowd, the suffering of the sick and the needs of the people stirred his heart with pity. His saving touch heals the physically challenged and those who suffered many kinds of sickness. With seven loaves and a few fish, Jesus multiplies the food so the people will not “collapse on the way.”

The healing of the sick and the feeding of the four thousand show clearly how profoundly God embraces our human condition in Jesus Christ. The heart of God understands the physical suffering, pain, and weakness we experience! He is not only a God who is “for” us in our need, but who experienced hunger and physical pain in his own flesh.

Perhaps images of Lourdes fill our imagination when we read this Gospel. Men, women, and children who suffer from every kind of physical, emotional, and mental illness seek spiritual and physical healing at Lourdes. Accompanied by caregivers and family members, the sick assemble as the Eucharist is celebrated, received, and adored. Jesus’ heart again “is moved with pity” for them as it was on that mountain in Galilee. Lourdes is a place of hope because the presence of God is so deeply felt in prayer, word, and sacrament. How completely Jesus embraces human weakness is so visible and deeply moving at Lourdes.

Jesus never runs away from our pain, sin, or human messiness, but he embraces it in tenderness and mercy. We can bring to our Savior’s compassionate heart whatever weighs us down, wherever we live!

Oratio

Jesus, companion and friend, walk with me when I feel I cannot go on. Feed me with your word and the Eucharist so the needs and hungers of my heart will be fed. Bring healing to whatever is sick in me. May my words and actions give hope to those who journey with me and who feel overwhelmed by problems and concerns. Satisfy the hunger of the world’s poor with bread, and the hunger of all people for love and a meaningful life. May the Eucharist be the icon through which I see the needs and hungers of others.

Contemplatio

Jesus, you satisfy the hungers of my heart.

Daughters of Saint Paul. (2009). Advent Grace: Daily Gospel Reflections (pp. 16–17). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.

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