Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

God is constantly moved with pity for us. Whenever we are suffering or in trouble, his heart goes out to us. He wants us to stop weeping or suffering and through the Holy Spirit he offers us the graces we need to overcome our trials. He gives us consolation and compassion in our times of need. In return he asks us to do the same when we see others weeping or suffering. Like the crowd around the widow of Nain, we should be with those who are weeping or sorrowful. We should comfort them to the best of our abilities and make God present to others through our acts of love and mercy.

Do we show pity to others like Jesus? Are we compassionate and merciful? How do we make God present to those who are in need?

O Lord, move us to pity others and act mercifully toward them.

Amen.