Compassion – Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5, 6-8
The spark of compassion is one of the greatest gifts we can pass on to our children. With it comes the urge to respond in love, peace, selflessness, and strength. It allows us to see with our hearts what might be missing first in ourselves. We can then use that knowledge to respond with our “neighbors.” Jesus asks us to be laborers by following His examples to help those with needs. With Trinity’s help, we can show others that compassion creates a transformation process into being Christ-like. Our world desperately needs to see Christ in whatever way we can do so. As a personal example, I have just gone into maintenance mode with a three-year battle with advanced cancer. I could not help in any way that I had to be present during this time. Switching to far more spiritual writing with a continued focus on mercy and compassion for others was all I could do. Undoubtedly, a spark of compassion can turn to flame wherever we may be in our journey.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8 – Scripture*
The Harvest Is Great, the Laborers Few
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
The Twelve Apostles
10 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 Reflection – Compassions Spark.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 9 Bible passage.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 9 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Compassion
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.