The amount of pain and suffering that is present in our world is almost incomprehensible. We see news stories on television or read accounts in the media about poverty in third world countries. We see natural disasters bringing devastation and destruction to communities across the globe. We see wars and violence on a continual basis. We see the slaughter of Christians in the Middle East. The suffering is real.
We can feel helpless when we survey the magnitude of the suffering. We may think, "What can I do? I am only one person." It is evident that I do not need to go to another country to witness pain. There are days when the local hospital is filled to capacity. Is there anyone I could go visit while they are in the hospital? Is there anything I could do for them at home while they are ill? When was the last time I visited someone in the local nursing home? Have I visited anyone lately who is lonely because they are homebound?
We have ample opportunities to live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in our day-to-day lives. Are we seizing these opportunities?