Mercy and Compassion

The Pope’s visit brings significance to most Filipinos and most of them take this as a

privilege to be visited by a pope because for them it is a blessing to have the pope. In an article

his visit is referred to as the “Holy Father’s visit.” It is a week of staying in the Philippines and a

lot of preparation has been made but the thing that caught my attention is his intention why he

visits the Philippines. The theme of the Pope’s visits to Philippines is “Mercy and Compassion”

which they followed the act of Christ towards the multitude in Matthew 9:36. The main thrusts

of his visit are those affected by typhoon Yolanda and earthquake. He comes to show his deep

concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Visayas

There was a statement in Pope’s exhortation “the Church must be a place of mercy freely given,

where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the

Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium 114).1 As what the article is trying to say that Filipino should be

identified as merciful and it should be acted upon by helping other people in need.

What I liked about this visit is the emphasis of showing mercy and compassion to other

people. His visit is to comfort the people. If you are going to look at his action as the leader of

the Catholic Church it reminds us about the role of a shepherd towards his flocks. It is

comforting to know that their leader doesn’t just teach them what it is to love one another but

acted it by visiting his people. If we noticed, today’s leaders are not practicing this kind of act. It

seems that to see them in such session or fellowship satisfies their leadership but forgot the most

important thing and it is to show the care or to show the love. There is a common statement,

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The act of pope

coming here will challenge us to do likewise. We should visit our flocks. We should show our

concern. A care that is not just words but also through action. That is, practicing what we are

preaching.

I was challenged about the Pope’s action as well as encouraged of doing it as he follows

Christ-like actions. I was reminded about what Christ has done for me. He acted out of concern.

He showed so much concern toward me and loved me up to the point that He died for me. I was

challenged to show it not just teaching it. I must live to love like Christ. How about you? Are

you a man of a great knowledge or a man of action - don’t just talk about the truth, walk it?