In his book A Good Life, Pope Francis delivers a striking critique of what he calls “temporal compassion.” He writes:
“Temporal compassion is completely useless! That kind of compassion has us, at the very most, reaching into our pockets and extracting a few coins. If Christ had had that kind of compassion, He would have cured three or four people and then returned to the Heavenly Father.”
At first glance, this statement might seem surprising—how can compassion ever be “useless”? Isn’t charity foundational to the Christian life? Well, not so fast. Pope Francis isn’t rejecting compassion outright; rather, he’s inviting us to reflect more deeply. His words challenge us to move beyond shallow acts of kindness and embrace a love that transforms. So, let’s break this down.
What’s the Problem with Temporal Compassion?
If we’re honest, many of us have likely practiced what Pope Francis calls “temporal compassion.” It’s a response that’s fleeting—more about easing our own conscience than truly addressing another’s suffering. Think about it:
- Tossing a few coins into a collection jar and moving on.
- Offering a quick “thoughts and prayers” on social media without any further action.
- Giving a meal to someone experiencing homelessness but never learning their name or story.
While these gestures may seem generous, they often fall short. Why? Because they fail to engage with the deeper pain and dignity of the person in need. Worse yet, they can become an excuse for inaction—something we do so we can say, “Well, I did my part.”
Pope Francis likens this to Christ merely healing a few people and then retreating to the comfort of heaven. But Christ didn’t do that. His love wasn’t about appearances or quick fixes. It was—and still is—radically transformative.
Christ’s Compassion: A Model for Us
What does authentic compassion look like? Let’s consider the example of Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus weeps at the death of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). In Luke, He is moved with sorrow when He sees a widow mourning her only son (Luke 7:13). And in Matthew, Jesus looks out at the crowds, sees their helplessness, and is filled with compassion (Matthew 9:36).
Notice something? Christ’s compassion wasn’t distant or fleeting. It wasn’t a momentary gesture of pity. Instead, it was deeply personal and led Him to act. Ultimately, it led Him to the cross, where He bore the full weight of human sin and suffering.
Here’s the key takeaway: Jesus didn’t merely see suffering; He entered into it. And that’s the kind of love Pope Francis is calling us to emulate.
Do We Know How to Weep?
Let’s be honest: when was the last time you truly wept over someone else’s pain?
According to Pope Francis, one of the biggest problems today is that those of us living relatively comfortable lives have forgotten how to weep. We insulate ourselves from the suffering around us—sometimes deliberately, other times simply out of habit.
But as Francis puts it, “There are truths we can see only with eyes that have been cleansed by tears.”
Learning to weep doesn’t mean giving in to despair or wallowing in sadness. It means opening our hearts to the reality of others’ pain. It’s about vulnerability, solidarity, and love.
Temporal Compassion vs. Transformative Love
It’s worth emphasizing that Pope Francis isn’t dismissing acts of charity. Helping someone in need—even in small ways—is always good. But he’s urging us to go deeper.
Temporal compassion is limited to immediate relief. True compassion, on the other hand, seeks the flourishing of the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and materially. It addresses the root causes of suffering, not just the symptoms.
For example:
- Superficial charity might look like giving money to someone experiencing homelessness and walking away.
- Transformative love might involve sitting with them, learning their story, and helping them connect with resources that offer long-term solutions.
Pope Francis calls this deeper love “learning to weep.” It’s not about pity. It’s about solidarity—a willingness to bear another’s burdens and walk alongside them on the road to healing.
Living Out True Compassion
So, how do we move beyond temporal compassion and embrace transformative love? Here are three practical steps to get started:
- See the Person, Not Just the Need
It’s easy to focus on what someone lacks—money, food, housing—and forget that they’re a person with a unique story. Take time to truly encounter those who are suffering. Ask questions. Listen. Recognize their dignity. - Act with Sacrificial Love
True compassion often requires time, effort, and personal sacrifice. Are you willing to get uncomfortable? Whether it’s volunteering regularly, mentoring someone in need, or simply being present for a grieving friend, love that costs something is love that transforms. - Commit to Justice
Charity is essential, but so is justice. Ask yourself: why does this suffering exist in the first place? Work to address systemic issues—whether that’s advocating for fair policies, supporting organizations that promote long-term solutions, or building relationships with marginalized communities.
Conclusion: Be Brave—Learn to Cry
Pope Francis’s critique of temporal compassion is a challenge for all of us. It’s a reminder that our faith demands more than fleeting acts of charity. It calls us to a love that transforms.
Let us learn from Christ, who wept with those who mourned and embraced the suffering of humanity in its fullness. As Pope Francis urges, “Be brave—do not be afraid to cry!” In doing so, we become instruments of God’s mercy, bringing His healing love into a world desperately in need.
So, what might this kind of compassion look like in your life? Are you ready to weep with Christ?
Recommended Reading
- Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) by Pope Francis
- Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) by Pope Benedict XVI
- The Works of Mercy: The Heart of Catholicism by James F. Keenan, SJ
- No Greater Love by Mother Teresa
- The Wounded Healer by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Image Cred: The New York Times