The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³²And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. ³³Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. ³⁴As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. ⁵⁴When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, ⁵⁵and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Today I wanted to introduce you to a new word: compassion. Is that a word you've heard before? Would anyone like to take a guess as to what it means to be compassionate? (Solicit children's responses.)

We show compassion when we notice someone else's problems and take steps to help solve them.

The Bible is full of stories of Jesus' compassion - and this week's gospel lesson is a great example. It even uses that word to describe him.

Jesus has been performing miracles and word of his power has been spreading. In this week's story a large group has gathered hoping to be near him. The story explains that Jesus had compassion for these people - he could tell right away that they needed his help - and he sets to work teaching them.

I've been thinking this week about the chances I have to be compassionate in my own life. Can you think of ways that you might do the same? Who can you think of that might need our help? (Solicit children's answers and - with each suggestion - challenge the child to identify both a group or individual in need and the ways that he or she might help them).

Wow. It may be a new word, but it sure sounds like you know a lot about being compassionate! Think with me this week about showing compassion to those around you - it's just what Jesus would do.

Can we pray?

Dear God,

We know that many of our friends and neighbors have real problems in life. Grant us the strength and compassion not only to recognize their needs but to help do something about them.

Amen