Reflection for December 9

I imagine we have all had a similar experience to the one Jesus felt in today’s reading—a sudden surge of overwhelming empathy toward another. This reaction is visceral and spontaneous. Jesus didn’t think about the situation and then react. His response was instantaneous and came from deep inside. Matthew tells us that his heart was moved with pity. We should pay attention to the language; the reaction came from his heart and emotions rather than intellect.

The original Greek word for this emotion is splagchnizomai. At the time, the digestive system was believed to be the center of emotions and feelings. An English translation would be along the lines of “gut sympathy” or “moved in the inward parts.” There are only twelve occurrences of splagchnizomai in the synoptic gospels. Each time, the author reminds us of the deep, heartfelt compassion Jesus felt for a crowd, a leper, or a grieving widow. Splagchnizomai is the word Luke uses to describe the rush of emotion the father feels upon seeing his returning lost son. Similarly, he uses it to describe the reaction of the Good Samaritan to the beaten, injured traveler on the road to Jericho. Each usage of splagchnizomai is meant to be a lesson for us on the compassion and mercy of God. We must pay attention, listen, and learn from Jesus’ example.

In today's first reading, Isaiah reminds us, “God will be gracious when you cry out.” God knows our needs and will provide for us. We are all “like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew concludes this passage with an invitation for all Christians to “go out to the lost sheep.” Today, let’s resolve to accept this invitation and work with Jesus in tending the sheep, who are our brothers and sisters. During this Advent season, pay attention, recognize your gut-felt feelings of compassion, and perform simple--maybe even heroic--acts of kindness.

Jeff Kamradt

Melanson MediaDecember 9, 2023