Don't be Hard Hearted

This morning's Mass readings warn us about the dangers of hardness of heart. It grieves God because those who allow themselves to suffer from it become harder and harder for God to reach. Not only does it pose the risk of cutting us off from God's help, it isolates us from the human community. We become inaccessible to those who love us. Those in need of our help become invisible to us. 

In the gospel, Jesus gives us an example of compassion - his healing of the leper. Jesus responded with love to this outcast who requested healing. 

If our hearts have become encrusted with indifference, it will take deliberate chipping away of the stony layer by small acts done  for others. In time we may not have to force such helping acts. They may flow naturally from a new heart which beats with compassion.