Bishop Tobin on Being Sensitive to Challenges Being Faced by Others

"My mom, God rest her, was a gentle, peaceful soul. She avoided confrontations and disliked arguments, even friendly family arguments about crazy things. And conversely, she had a keen awareness of other people’s problems and struggles.

"I remember one endearing little habit she developed, especially as she grew older. If we were walking or driving somewhere and she heard an emergency siren, from a firetruck, police car or ambulance, she would make the sign of the cross and say, 'Oh-oh, someone’s in trouble.'

"And, of course, it's true. When the siren of an emergency vehicle sounds, someone is in trouble - because of a fire, a crime, or a health emergency taking place. We all know that, but my mom's response was pretty unique.

"The ability to be sensitive to someone else's problem is a beautiful Christ-like virtue. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on our need to for the "eyes of Jesus to see, the ears of Jesus to hear, and the heart of Jesus to respond with mercy and compassion" to the needs of others as they meet the problems facing them.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit: 

Without A Doubt: "Oh-oh, Someone's in Trouble" (11 OCT 18)