Compassion

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’ The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!’ Jesus stood still and called them, saying, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34

People can be wounded by things we do, and by what we fail to do. Often, those who are born with a disability are sidelined and ignored. Sometimes they are abused, teased and ostracized. And children who are different for reasons of size, color or culture face daily abuse by teachers and children alike. Despite laws like Americans with Disabilities Act, folks who have challenges, are often not hired in their fields and if hired, paid less and often overlooked. Jesus never overlooked them, then or now. He saw these two blind men as beloved children of God and sees each of us as beloved children of God.

Compassionate Creator, lord of our hearts

instill us with the compassion of Christ

let our hearts be moved by the needs of others

and let our lives be always ready to serve.

You healed the blind ones who had called to you

and you bring healing now to those who cry out.

Let us see the need and hear the cries of our family

and make us compassionate with neighbor and stranger alike. Amen.