Compassionate Caregiving
30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet, but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him. Matthew 20: 30-34 I sit in a season of caregiving, a season familiar to many others who too have lingered there. For some, caregiving is not a season but rather a permanent vocation or even calling. Caregiving is hard, frequently unseen and often reduced to a series of tasks that the care receiver cannot do independently. Caregiving at its base is rooted in connection and compassion. This relatively simple bible story offers a beautiful biblical blueprint of Jesus’ compassion and care. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem with plenty to occupy his thoughts. As he passes two blind men, the crowd dismisses these people who seek his attention and his healing mercy. Jesus stops. Jesus listens. Jesus is moved by compassion to touch their eyes and heal them. While the world wishes to silence these blind men who are nothing but an irritation, Jesus wants to hear what they have to say. And he feels it. And he responds. Jesus is not too busy to stop and offer compassion to two people who desperately seek it. There are many among us who pour out unheralded compassion to those who may easily be dismissed. Direct Support Professionals spend their days enabling our brothers and sisters with disabilities to live life as fully as they are able. Nurses, childcare workers, home health workers work diligently each day to support people who need their assistance. Family members reorganize their lives to accommodate the demands that illness or injury inflict on a family member. All offer time, care, and the touch of compassion. Our Lord is a compassionate God. He is there for those in great need; he is there for those who minister to those in great need. We are all His beloved. Ellen Herman Campbell
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Authors:The people of Grace share their favorite bible stories for the 2023 Lenten Devotional: I Love to Tell the Story. Each day's devotional will be automatically posted so come back daily after 7 am for a new reflection. |