A KINGDOM OF SERVICE
The
one thing that Jesus was determined to destroy was suffering — the
suffering of the poor and the oppressed. But the only way to do it is to
give up all wordly values and suffer the consequences. Only the
willingness to suffer can conquer the suffering world. Compassion
destroys suffering by suffering with and on behalf of those who suffer.
It means suffering in solidarity with the needy and the afflicted. But
we can come close to another person only when we are willing to become
vulnerable ourselves.
George T. Therukattil, in his book, Priest, Human Face of Divine
Compassion, says it clearly, “A compassionate person says, ‘I am your
brother, I am your sister, I am human, fragile, and mortal just like
you. I am not scandalized by your tears, nor afraid of your pain. I,
too, have wept. I, too, have felt pain.’”
Compassion enables us to journey with the poor and to be in
solidarity with them in their darkness, struggle and anguish. In
solidarity with them, Jesus died to Himself like the grain of wheat that
fell on the earth. By emptying Himself, He was able to touch many
aching hearts. He embraced
many weeping souls and gave power and strength to those in despair.
The most powerful message of Jesus’ death was His unquenchable
compassion for us. Out of compassion, He evangelized the poor and freed
them from human miseries. Out of compassion, Jesus taught the people not
just to do acts of mercy but to be merciful.
From the cross, Jesus calls us to love fully. We welcome the kingdom of
service which Jesus brought to us in solidarity with everyone,
especially with the marginalized who most need our friendship. Fr. Alex
Balatbat
REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you express your solidarity with the poor?
Lord
Jesus, You trusted in Your Father’s protection. Give us that same
confidence and we will gladly suffer with You and for You in our
marginalized brothers and sisters. Let our solidarity with them be our
sacrifice of praise. Amen.
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