From today’s Scripture: “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” —Mt 9:36

Today you might see a person sleeping on a bench, maybe someone begging for money, maybe overhear a couple arguing as the kids fearfully watch. Wouldn’t any of these move your heart to pity? Maybe there are other difficult situations you know about. In all of these, we are challenged by today’s Gospel to ask, “what do we do with our pity?” If the troubled and abandoned are like sheep without a shepherd, how do we “take on the smell of the sheep,” in Pope Francis’ words. Is there a way you can lend a helping hand today?

Let us pray: Lord, help me not be hard-of-heart. Help me to be compassionate with everyone I meet today. Give me the strength to reach out to someone in need.

Today’s author is John Feister, an award-winning journalist and former leader of Glenmary’s Communications Team.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.