Compassion and Mission: A Dominican Call

“The Gospel we proclaim today tells us that Jesus withdrew to a solitary place after receiving the news of the death of John the Baptist. However, the crowd followed him, and he took pity on them. Jesus saw the need of the crowd and decided to act. With the five loaves and two fish, he fed the crowd, demonstrating his power and compassion.”

I thought it would be fitting to begin Monday’s note with these words—an excerpt from the sermon given this morning by brother Leoncio Vallejo Benítez. I would also like to add that if it were up to me, every Monday would be Spanish day (the chapter alternates between three languages). There is something about the Spanish language that makes even Monday sound like Sunday morning.

The words of the preacher hit the nail on the head of what we experienced today. The memory of St. John Vianney, as well as the Gospel itself and the example of St. Dominic, remind us of what is fundamental in our vocation and what should always be the first impulse to action: compassion.

Compassion and Mission

“Compassion and Mission: Jesus recognized the need of the multitude to be fed and was moved by compassion for those who followed him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own response to the needs of others. Are we moved by compassion for those around us? Do we trust in God’s providence to meet the needs of all? We love to present our Father, Saint Dominic, as a compassionate man who knew how to respond creatively to the needs of the poor of his time, even depriving himself of his own possessions.

As Dominicans, we are called to follow Jesus’ example. We must be compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. Our mission is not limited only to preaching the word of God, but also to care for, accompany, “embrace life as it comes,” comfort, and attend to people in their needs.

In our daily lives, we must look for opportunities to show compassion and care for others. We must be aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters and act to meet them.”

Such words—not easy, but important—are good to hear at the beginning of a new week. Because regardless of what was discussed today in the chapter hall, it is these words that set our gaze: not only on the duties that must be performed, but on the people for whom they are undertaken.