Cardinal David: Show kindness, compassion

Calookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David has urged Catholics to practice “pagkalinga,” or compassion, during the Christmas Eve Mass at the San Roque Cathedral Parish in Caloocan.

“Pag pinagmalupitan mo ang tao, wag kang magtataka kapag naging malupit din sila, kapag tuluyan naging kriminal,” David said during his homily on Wednesday night.

“Pero pag pinakitaan mo ng konting kabutihan, kagandahang loob, at malasakit, makikita niyo, nakapagbabago ang kabutihan,” he added.

(If you treat people harshly, don’t be surprised if they become mean as well or even turn into a criminal. But if you show even a little kindness, goodwill, and compassion, you will see that goodness can change people.)

The Gospel was derived from the book of Luke, which showed Jesus’ birth in a manger.

David said that compassion can even be found in simplicity.

“Kahit ngiti lang o kamusta o pag alalay sa mga nauulila, basta may malasakit, nakapagpapaangat ito ng dangal,” the cardinal said, as he shared his recent visit at the Caloocan City Jail, where he presided over the Christmas Eve Mass.

(Even just a smile, a simple greeting, or helping those who are alone, compassion uplifts their dignity.)

“Hindi matututo kumalinga ang taong hindi nakaranas ng anomang pagkalingan,” he added.

(A person who has never experienced compassion does not know how to express it.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News