Today we close the first week of Advent, and many also celebrate St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his generosity. Our readings and the feast...
Today we close the first week of Advent, and many also celebrate St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his generosity. Our readings and the feast align beautifully under three words starting with C: Compassion, Call, and Care.
First, Compassion. The Gospel tells us that at the sight of the crowds, Jesus' heart was "moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus does not look at us with judgment first; He looks with compassion. He sees our weariness. In the First Reading, Isaiah promises that the Lord "will bind up the wounds of his people." God is not distant; He feels our pain.
Second, Call. Because of this compassion, Jesus issues a call. "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few." He summons His disciples and gives them authority to heal. He does not want to work alone; He wants us to be His co-workers. We are the laborers He is sending out into our families and workplaces today.
Third, Care. The instruction Jesus gives is specific: "Cure the sick, raise the dead... freely have you received, freely give." This is the spirit of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). St. Nicholas is remembered not because he was rich, but because he cared. He gave freely to save the dignity of the poor. He embodied the care of the Good Shepherd.
As we prepare for the Second Sunday of Advent, let us imitate the Compassion of Jesus. Let us answer His Call to be laborers. And let us show genuine Care to those who are "troubled and abandoned" in our own communities.
No comments