Wednesday After Epiphany

 Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

Just as God rescues the poor and afflicted, so must we. We must be on a constant lookout for those who are in need or suffering and offer them whatever we can to help. We must be willing to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, house the homeless, free the captives, care for the sick and dying, bury and pray for the dead. Our every thought, word, and work should be guided by love and mercy. We should show others pity even when we dislike them or uncomfortable around them. God didn’t give us lives to be free from hardship and sacrifice. He gave us lives so that we might imitate His Son’s compassion toward others.

What is God calling us to do for the poor and afflicted? How can we use our time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? How can we cultivate a spirit of compassion within us even for our enemies?

O Lord, make us into a compassionate people.

Amen.