COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

It was kind of you to share in my distress.

When St. Paul was arrested, the Christians he had evangelized in Philippi sent gifts to sustain him during his imprisonment. In return, Paul thanked them for “shar[ing] in my distress” (Philippians 4:14). This simple phrase points to a great characteristic of the Christian way of life: the virtue of compassion. In fact, the word “compassion” literally means to “suffer with” someone.

This is how God loves us—with great compassion. He doesn’t love us from a distance. Instead, through Jesus, he chose to enter into our human condition, to suffer alongside us, and ultimately to endure death on a cross in order to save us.

But Jesus’ compassion didn’t end there. By his death and resurrection, he has also entered into each of our lives and “suffers with” us every time we experience any type of trial or pain. Whether we sense his presence or not, the truth is, he is always with us. He always hears our cries for help, he shares in our pain and sadness, and he gives us the grace to endure and move forward in spite of our trials.

As Christians, we too are called to be compassionate. That’s what the Philippians did: out of their love for Paul, they shared in his distress by anticipating his needs and sending him help. That’s what so many of the saints have done as well. Think of St. Damien of Molokai caring for the people in the leper colony or Mother Teresa caring for the dying on the streets of Calcutta or St. John Vianney caring for sinners in the confessional.

Is there someone you know who is carrying a heavy burden? If so, ask the Lord, “How can I show compassion to this person?” A listening ear, an offer to pray, a promise to intercede, a material contribution: these are all ways you can “suffer with” another person. This is the way of Christ, and because we are his followers, this is our way as well.

“Jesus, thank you for sharing in my distress.”

Philippians 4:10-19
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9
Luke 16:9-15