Compassion for the Poor
On seeing or thinking about the poor, I will try to help them in whatever way I can … I would try to feel such a compassion for their miserable state, that all parts of my body and my very soul, breathe pity and mercy. (OOCC, X, p. 15; STA, 31)
Compassion for the poor is the true mark of a Christian. A true follower of the compassionate Jesus is one who is able to recognize the poor and their need, and manifest a great sense of concern for them. The basis of compassion is the realization that the other in need is, indeed, a part of the human family and that the other has the right to have the basic needs of life. Compassion implies that one acknowledges that what one possesses is not merely for oneself, but also for the good of others. Such an understanding helps one to feel empathy towards the poor. An empathetic person is moved by true love for the other, because his actions emerge from a heart that is tender and a mind that is humble. In short, a compassionate person does not seek himself, but rather he seeks the good of the other, with the pure motive of true charity. St. Vincent Pallotti lived the value of compassion to the fullest, and felt deeply for the other from the depth of his heart. Whenever he saw a person who was poor and in need, he immediately attempted to do anything within his power to help him in his need. St. Vincent felt within himself a deep compassion for the poor. He used his body, mind and spirit to communicate the compassion he felt within himself for the poor.
Am I compassionate towards others? Do I realize that everyone belongs to the human family? Do I recognize that every good thing in this world is meant for all? Do I seek my good only or that of others as well? Am I an empathetic person? Do I communicate concern for others using my body, mind, and spirit?
You should be a big happy family, full of sympathy [empathy] towards each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. (I Pet. 3:8)