April 21

Day 2: Reflection on Empathy in Relationships

Theme: Understanding Others Through Compassion and Obeying God’s Call

First Reading:

Acts 5:34-42
“We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.”

Responsorial Psalm:

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
“The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”

Gospel:

John 3:31-36
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.”

Reflection:

In today’s readings, we see examples of obedience to God’s call and God’s provision, which directly influence the way we relate to others with empathy and compassion. In Acts 5, the apostles choose to obey God’s call to spread His word, even in the face of opposition and suffering. This reflects the importance of assertiveness in relationships: standing firm in one’s values and beliefs, even when others may try to impose their will upon us.

The Psalm speaks of God's attentiveness to the cries of the poor, a reminder that God’s love and compassion are extended to all, especially those in need. In our relationships, when we cultivate empathy, we begin to understand and resonate with others’ emotional needs. This allows us to respond with kindness and patience, qualities that nurture deeper connections.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the importance of obedience to His words in building a meaningful relationship with God. Belief in Him and obedience to His teachings create a foundation for eternal life. This is also true in our earthly relationships—by choosing to obey God’s call and live out His love, we strengthen our connection to others. True empathy begins when we understand and respect others’ perspectives, even in difficult situations.

Action/Practice:

Think of someone in your life who is difficult to empathize with. Reflect on their perspective and needs, and take time to listen to them without judgment. Just as the apostles in Acts 5 were willing to face hardship for their faith, today, choose to extend empathy, even when it’s challenging.

Daily Goal:

Practice active listening today with someone who may not be easy to connect with. Seek to understand their emotions and needs, and respond with compassion.

Journaling Prompt:

“How can I better empathize with others in my relationships? In what ways can I practice obedience to God’s call and extend love and compassion to those who are difficult to understand?”

Closing Summary:

As we reflect on obedience to God and the call to empathize with others, let us be reminded that empathy deepens our relationships and helps us live in accordance with God’s will. By responding to the needs of others with kindness, we create connections that reflect God’s love and compassion