Greatness is not measured by the wondrous thing that we did in our lives. Rather in our weakness, in our littleness, it is where God enters in. Today, the whole Church rejoices with all the saints. Their holiness reminds us with their real-life stories of allowing God’s grace work in them. They are not perfect or without fault. They lived their lives to the fullest, that in the very core of their heart, no matter what happened to them they trust fully God’s love and mercy.
And who are those saints in our modern times? I think they are not simply the saints in heaven rather the different walks of life that we encounter every day. A child beggar asking for food and when given, he or she will not keep it for himself or herself but give it to another child who is sick. A mother who make the living for her family with ease; a teacher who never get tired of forgiving her learners, etc…
You reap what you sow. These words refer to more than just trees and fruit. The application of this saying is broader—whatever you do to others will also be done to you. This is the essence of the fifth beatitude by Saint Matthew in the gospel —blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy by God.
If compassion is sown, compassion will also be reaped. What exactly is the meaning of compassion? According to one writer, “Mercy is the ability to identify with other person in that person’s needs.” Compassion is feeling the condition of a fellow human being in need. It does not stop at emotion alone; it leads to action. The one who feels compassion acts to comfort and assist the person they pity.
The promise of the gospel is beautiful: those who know how to show compassion will also receive compassion. This is easy to understand. Good deeds simply come in full circle and return to the person who did them. What we do becomes part of us and it comes back to us. The beatitude helps us to see our blessedness. Helping those in need, comforting the suffering, and showing concern for one’s fellow human beings are deeds that bring a good return. Such demonstrations of mercy and compassion will never be lost from God’s sight. He has a way of rewarding them. God cannot be outdone in goodness. God cannot be outdone in mercy.
Truly, a merciful person is highly blessed. They are storing up heavenly treasures. Even if their fellow human beings do not show them mercy, God surely will.
Let us sow the seeds of compassion today. We will reap compassion when the time comes. Let us ask the intercession of all saints to intercede for us, living and not living, humbly trusting the Lord. Amen.