The Lord Was Moved With Pity

Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

By Beth DeCristofaro

As (Jesus) drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out,

the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her,  “Do not weep.” (Luke 7:12-13)

Piety

Oh God our Father, Our Creator, we pray for all those who died today, especially those who died as a result of violence:  Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, we pray for your servants and commend them to your mercy. For their sake you came down from heaven; receive them now into the joy of your kingdom. (from Catholic Prayer of Commendation)

Study

“Jesus was moved with pity…”  Sometimes it seems as if the world itself must cry with the heartbreak seen every day. Recently it seems as if everywhere I turn – family news, friends, the Navy Yard, Syria, the deserts surrounding the Rio Grande, -  there are tears of grief and fear.  Jesus chose human powerlessness and vulnerability, which you and I know well, in order to show us what love is and how much God loves us.  

Hafiz, an ancient Persian poet spoke to the awesome power of love which calls us to be open to others but then, of necessity, open to both uplifting and devastating loss.  Jesus invites us to lean into the light of God and shine the light of God upon each other.  

How did the rose ever open its heart

and give to this world all its beauty?

It felt the encouragement of light against its being,

otherwise we all remain too frightened.  (Hafiz)

Action

“Jesus was moved with pity…”  How am I living love?  How am I forsaking violence in my everyday life?  How can I communicate with others especially political leaders to promote non-violence?