NONE CAN SUFFER WITHOUT OUR RECOGNIZING JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF IN THOSE WHO SUFFER

Concluding his appeal for help for the suffering Irish, Eugene stresses that all are called to help not only for humanitarian reasons, but more important because, as members of the Body of Jesus Christ, when one part suffers it affects all the members.

Let us show them that none can suffer without our recognizing Jesus Christ himself in those who suffer, without anyone imbued with his spirit of charity not being able to say with Saint Paul: Who amongst you is in sorrow without I myself being sorrowful too [ed. 2 Corinthians 2:29] Why then distinguish one nation from another in the Catholic Church?

There is no distinction, says the Apostle, of Jew and Greek; they all have the same Lord who is bountiful towards those who invoke him [ed Romans 10:12].  You have all been clothed with Jesus Christ, the same Apostle says energetically elsewhere, there is not amongst you Jew or Greek, slave or free person… You are all one in Jesus Christ [ed. Galatians 3:28].

… Be moved then, my dear brethren, by the holy inspirations of your compassionate character and your spirit of charity on behalf of this people. You will be abundantly recompensed even in this life.

Bishop Eugene’s Circular Letter to the people of Marseilles, 24 February 1847, EO III Circular n 2

REFLECTION

“I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash him and tend to him. I serve because I love Jesus.”  (Mother Teresa)