Compassionate Hearts

How do we develop more compassionate hearts?  For some, nurturing compassion comes naturally because they have seen this virtue practiced in their families. For others, compassion needs to be learned by becoming more conscious of others who need help. Some people automatically respond with kindness to others. Some are so preoccupied, they don't even notice when someone is in need. 

There is no commandment that says, "Thou shalt be compassionate." We have plenty of examples in the scriptures and the lives of the saints, however, that exemplify this quality. A stunning example is the story of the Good Samaritan, who encountered a wounded man on the roadside and stopped to care for him (Luke 10:25-37). He even took him to an inn and paid a servant there to make sure he had what he needed. This was after a priest and a Levite passed by and did not stop. This was Jesus' response to someone who asked, "Who is my neighbor?"

A modern example of compassion: someone who has a flat tire or car trouble on the highway. How many of us would stop to help? Nowadays it is dangerous, especially for a woman. But, it is an opportunity to help someone in need that many of us would pass by. 

I am reminded of the story of George Floyd, who was beaten by police and no one stopped them. Thankfully, a young girl took a video of what happened and the four policemen were convicted for their roles in his death. There are so many instances of this kind of mistreatment, and it is hard to know how to help.

We have everyday opportunities of helping others, such as visiting the sick in hospitals, bringing dinner to a needy neighbor, or offering to help a person who is handicapped or elderly. Sometimes  just giving a smile to a stranger who seems sad or troubled can lift that person's spirits.

O Lord, give us expanded, compassionate hearts to respond to those in need of a helping hand. May we experience the joy it brings to us as well as them.