In the second reading this weekend, Paul explains that we have a “high priest” in Jesus Christ who is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses…” and “who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.” In other words, because our God became man, He understands how difficult it is for us to have faith, to follow the commandments, and to avoid whatever leads us to sin. There is no limit to His compassion.
The word “compassion” is the combination of two Latin words “com” which means together or with and “passio” which means to suffer. After my wife recovered from cancer, she made it her personal mission to speak with anyone who was diagnosed with cancer, who was undergoing treatment for cancer, or who had someone in their family who was battling cancer. She believed that her own battle with cancer gave her a unique perspective on what other cancer patients were facing or feeling. All with whom she spoke appreciated the sincerity and depth of her compassion. Her own battle with cancer gave her the ability to “suffer with” those whom she was trying to support.
Jesus understands us and our human struggles, weaknesses, and failings because He walked among us. Throughout the Gospels we see the depth of His compassion each time he encounters someone in need. Whether he is forgiving sinners, speaking with taxpayers, Gentiles, or Roman soldiers, exorcising demons, or healing those suffering from physical disabilities like leprosy, blindness, deafness, or lameness, He gives His complete attention to each afflicted person whom He encounters. In His compassion, He turns no one away.
Jesus carried a heavy burden of knowing that He would face a cruel death. Some of us carry that same burden when we receive a diagnosis of a terminal illness. But even those of us who are healthy are burdened by concerns that our beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions may be leading us further away from God rather than closer to Him. We forget that Jesus, who is both our high priest and a human being, understands our struggles and extends to us His infinite love, mercy and forgiveness. If we turn to Him in our struggles, He is there for us. If we seek His help, He helps us. If we suffer, He suffers with us.
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