My Heart Is Moved

Today’s Gospel reading (Mk. 8:1-10) begins “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.” Jesus’ empathy led him to action. Haven’t we been so blessed to see numerous acts of empathy over the past months? Anonymous donors paying bills of the unemployed. Nurses holding hands of dying patients. Children selling beverages for firefighters and veterans. Banners expressing thanks and hope. Food banks lengthening their hours. Bakeries and restaurants giving their best—not their leftovers. Medical personnel giving vaccinations to drivers stuck in a snowstorm, lest the precious medicine go to waste. On this day before Valentines Day, let your heart be moved to empathy and lead you to action.