We live in a world where many hide their pain behind smiles and routines. People around us carry silent burdens—grief, anxiety, loneliness, and the longing to be seen and heard. It is easy to overlook the struggles hidden beneath the surface. But Jesus saw differently. “At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” He looked beyond the faces and recognized wounded hearts. From this compassionate heart comes His call to His disciples with a clear action plan: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” We did not earn the gift of life, purchase God’s love, or deserve His forgiveness. We have freely received the grace of faith, the love of family and friends, the beauty of creation, and the promise of eternal life.

Because we have received so much, we are called to be generous. In a world that constantly asks, “What do I gain?” the Gospel dares to move us to ask, “How can I give?” Life, love, and time are gifts from God, and they discover their deepest purpose when they are shared with others.

The needy are already among us: the lonely person longing for a visit, the wounded heart yearning to be heard, the neighbor struggling in silence and waiting for a word of encouragement. Often, the greatest gift we can offer is not a solution, but our presence, our compassion, and our willingness to truly listen.

Jesus held nothing back. He gave His love, His mercy, His time, and ultimately His very life for us. Having received so much from Him, will we allow His generosity to shape our own? This week, whom in your life is God calling you to love more freely, and what gift that you have received from Him are you being invited to share without counting the cost?

In Christ,
Fr. Lijoy Jose, OFM Cap.
Pastor

ON-GOING EVENTS

3rd Sundays