Hearts That Expand: Learning Compassion from Abraham and Jesus

Hearts That Expand: Learning Compassion from Abraham and Jesus Today’s readings focus on two powerful biblical stories . . . . . . the first from the life of Abraham, Sarah, and Ishmael, and the second from the Gospel account of Jesus healing two possessed men. In the first story, Sarah’s jealousy over Hagar and Ishmael leads her to demand their banishment, despite Ishmael being Abraham’s son. Abraham, torn but obedient, sends them away with provisions. God intervenes with care and promise, ensuring Ishmael’s survival and future as a great nation—reminding us that Abraham is the spiritual ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Gospel story presents a stark contrast: Jesus heals two tormented men, but the local people focus on the loss of their pigs rather than the miracle of healing. They reject Jesus, displaying closed hearts and misplaced priorities. The Homily ends by urging listeners to choose which example to follow: Abraham’s compassionate, open heart or the villagers’ closed-off indifference. We are invited to let our hearts expand through the grace of God, even when it’s difficult, and to strive to love, help, and care for others like Abraham and Jesus did. Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to Hearts That Expand: Learning Compassion from Abraham and Jesus ----------------------------------------------------------------- Quote From The Homily And so, then there’s us, and we have choices to make. We can become more and more like Abraham or more and more like those people in the town, more and more where our hearts are touched. By the suffering, by the needs, by the hopes and dreams of so many people that we do whatever we can to show tender care, to help to pray, or we close off, we build walls. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Abraham Dismissing Hagar and Ishmael: Dutch Artist: Nicolaes Maes, 1653 One of the artist’s earliest works. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 8: 28-34 First Reading: Genesis 21: 5, 8-20