From Stephen, the first martyr, we read he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). John, the beloved disciple assures that the Lord will ‘bring with Him the recompense He will give to each according to his deeds' (Rev 22:13). Jesus, our Lord and Master stirs us, "I made known to them Your name and I will make it known, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them and I in them" (Jn 20:26). These words are infused with echoes of compassion. To see, to listen and to pray become acts of compassion if they impart God's compassion to seekers of justice with contrite hearts.

Compassion is embedded in our hearts, for the Letter to the Hebrews reiterates God declaring "I will put My laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts" (Heb 8:10). Thus, our mind is enlightened and our heart conceals a power and ability to evoke a wide range of sentiments, from serenity to dramatic joy, and excitement to sadness and awe, with the aim to gaze upon God. Ponder on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it can evoke sorrow, compassion and zeal. May these graces dwell in us and shape our attitudes to attune to the Lord's care for the exploited.