*REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME* *YEAR II* 

The word "compassion" which comes from two Latin words *cum* and *pate* , when put together mean "to suffer with", is what Jesus presents to us today as the role of the Messiah. 

   In the gospel (Luke 9: 43-45), Jesus informs His disciples that He will be turned over to His enemies, in whose hands He will suffer and be put to death. Though they didn't understand, they failed to ask Jesus for clarification. Often in our confusion on the challenges and sufferings that come to us we fail to seek clarifications from the Lord and to join our suffering to His as He joined with ours to give us victory. 

   In the first reading (Eccl 11: 9- 12: 8), the author of Ecclesistes reminds his audience to be watchful of their dealings as youth; to worship God vigorously with their youthful energy, being mindful of the weakness of the evening of their life and the inevitability of death. Now that I am alive, how do I respond to God's invitation to enter into a relationship with Him? 

   Dear friends, God in Christ Jesus is willing to suffer with us, to show compassion and assure us of victory even as we suffer. Like the disciples, we may not understand it, but He calls us to seek His face and be agents of compassion. How compassionate am I with those who suffer? Do I realize the vanity of earthly realities? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, the word of God through Jeremiah will uphold us: "I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrow" (Jer. 31: 13). In our sufferings and challenges, as we join with Jesus' suffering and death, and look forward to victory, may the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi be our companion: "We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world". Have a compassion-full day!