You and I don’t need to look far to see that this world constantly changes.

In no specific order, we have read or heard about Israel and the Hamas War; “Friends” actor Matthew Perry dies of apparent drowning at 54;  The Maine shootings as we grieve with them after 18 killed in mass shooting; New House Speaker Mike Johnson from the South since Newt Gingrich held the gavel in the 1990s; Halloween weekend shootings kill at least 6, injure over 40 in multiple mass shootings and Auto workers union announces tentative agreement to end strike with Stellantis.

The words in all the news mentioned have me thinking about compassion and empathy.

As I travel about my community, I get a chance to look into the eyes of those who provide a service to me.  Sometimes, I can see the faces of those of the same people taking a break from their daily grind of work.

I see a sort of addiction to their cell phones, lifestyles, and habits.

For example, what I wrote about Matthew Perry may not have any meaning if they didn’t grow up watching Friends.

As you and I try to make sense of tragedies that continue to happen all around us, there is a need to pay attention.

The Halloween weekend shootings involved a 20-year-old killer.

Multiple mass shootings over Halloween weekend leave 11 dead and scores injured | TPR

Nowadays, you don’t have to look far to see both compassion and empathy for those who lost their lives and the families now suffering from their loss.

This week, I will get to reflect on compassion and empathy as I prepare for All Saints Day and All Souls Day by attending Mass.

What do I see?  I envision connecting with my deceased parents and praying for them.

I know that I will be praying for all those affected over the week and weekend through gun violence.

We have various life experiences as we add value to others and make a difference.

What I’m able to see is how some live out their values that make a difference.

By no means am I perfect as I walk with you by determining what I can do to make a positive difference wherever I go!

We must pay closer attention to our surroundings as people cry for help daily.

How we use the words compassion and empathy is up to us.

I leave you with two quotes to reflect on this week.

Have compassion and empathy in your heart.  Many people are suffering deep emotional anquish beneath the surface of their live and smile even as they hurt inside. -Jim Palmer

There is nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy, a grace in forgiveness. -John Connolly