The compassion of Jesus moves the people

Good morning, happy Thursday, and many blessings.

In our Gospel reading today, Mark 3:7-12, we get an insight into what Jesus’ ministry was like, and the impact it had.  How the crowds flocked to Jesus from all the regions surrounding Galilee to hear Jesus preach, to bring the sick to be healed and the demon possessed to be delivered.

So many people flocked to Jesus that he ordered his disciples to get a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him, such was the hunger and desire people had to be near Jesus. 

The response to Jesus was huge, and one of the reasons why was because of the compassion Jesus had for these people.  In Mark 6:34 we read “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So, he began teaching them many things.” Jesus had compassion and love for all people, for the sick, the lost, the lonely, the homeless, the disposed, everyone, and he never turned anyone away.    

The conclusion reached at the end of this fifth conflict (Mark 3: 2 to 6) is that the Good News as it was announced by Jesus said exactly the opposite of the teaching of the religious authority of the time. This is why, at the end of the last conflict, it is foreseen that Jesus will not have an easy life and will be put to death. Death is already appearing on the horizon. They decide to make Him die (Mark 3:6). Without sincere conversion it is not possible for people to reach a correct understanding of the Good News.

When we hear a story like this and experience how hectic Jesus’ life was, we may feel that our lives are very uneventful by comparison. At such times it is important to realize that Jesus is present and speaks to us individually, in the inner eventfulness of our lives, loving each of us unconditionally. In his presence we can be fully who we are.

Definitely with this story we also learn that Jesus had love and compassion for all he met.  He didn’t expect people to come to him, but he went in search of them, on the seashore, in the marketplace, hiding in a tree, or sitting by the well.  And however, crowded, or under pressure he was, he always had time for people, he never turned anyone away. Jesus did not seek popularity: he was not looking for 'likes' or 'followers' to bolster his identity. He knew who he was. My identity, too, lies in my being a child of God, in my loving relationship with the source of life.

The calling of the Christian faith is to follow the example of Jesus Christ.  How do we compare to him?   Also, to drive away or expel the devil! What do you do in order to neutralize this power in your life?

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+