The Healing Journey

September 21, 2024

“So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight…”
— Matthew 20:32–34

We’re all familiar with the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, which highlight fundamental truths about compassion and God’s mercy.

But what about the occasions when Jesus, himself, was moved to pity and showed compassion? There are accounts throughout the Gospels and surely many more that were never recorded. Consider these few:

“Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them …” Matthew 9:35

“When Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13–21

“Now, Jesus called his disciples to himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry…’” Matthew 15:32–35

“Now, a leper came to him, imploring him, kneeling down to him and saying, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’” Mark 1:40–42

What does this mean for us? Jesus is compassion. It is at the heart of who he is, and surely he feels compassion for anyone suffering from loss, just as he was moved over the death of Lazarus and the son of the widow of Nain. His compassion for you is real. Look for signs of his compassion as you go through your day.

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Today, on the feast of St. Matthew, we ask, “St. Matthew, pray for us.”