Jesus' Pity is always accompanied with profound action

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Tuesday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL -Mk 6:34*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 4:7-10*

*Jesus' Pity is always accompanied with profound action*

*His heart was moved with pity for them*

*1) Having Pity - is a great Human Quality*

Only a person who has heart is able to have pity for something or for some one else 

The aspect of pity makes a person to think about the difficulties, problems, challenges of another person and to help in whatever way possible

A person who is not able to have pity, is considered as cruel, inhuman and brutal in nature. Such persons do help others in any situations.

*2) Jesus' heart was moved with pity*

This perticular aspect of Jesus' life shows the height of His human nature, His compassion, and His humanity 

It clearly shows the heart was primarily responsible which led Jesus to have pity on the people 

Pity not only moves the heart, but it also moves the person for concrete actions 

*3) Why Jesus had Pity on the People*

First of all, they were without a shepherd. 

When there is no shepherd, people are easily misled, scattered, defeated, and finally destroyed. That's why Jesus was moved with pity 

Secondly they didn't have anything to eat for many days. They were really hungry. So Jesus felt pity for them 

Thirdly it was already getting dark, and it was difficult for the people to go without food, and  neither the food was available in the vicinity

*4) Jesus' Pity moves into action*

When Jesus was moved with pity, He gets into the concrete action 

First of all, He gives them the right knowledge, by preaching, to motivate them 

Secondly, He asks His disciples to find some food for them 

Thirdly, He performs a great miracles in order to feed them with some food

Finally He gives them the food, which was most necessary at that time 

This is how the pity of Jesus worked, which ultimately made the people satisfied with good food 

*5) Pity which is not actualised in action is useless*

Many people do express thier pity for those who suffer a lot. But at times their remains only at the feeling level. Such pity does not bring any change in anyone. 

Pity that is not actualised in practical action is no pity at all.

*6) Where do I stand?*

Disciples failed to have pity for those people, who were without shepherd

Disciples finally wanted to dismiss the crowds, which is equal to escaping from the responsibility

Since they failed to have pity, they also failed in thier responsibilities

Am I a person of the Heart? 

Does my pity starts at feeling level and ends at feeling level without having any further action? 

What can I do to transform my pity from feeling level to practical level?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*