This summer, Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily reflecting on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing compassion as a central theme. “The parable,” he said, “is really about compassion. How we look at others is what counts, because it shows what is in our hearts. We can look and walk by, or we can look and be moved with compassion.” He encouraged people not to ignore suffering but instead to “see with the eyes of the heart—looking more closely, empathizing with others, sharing their experience, and letting ourselves be touched and challenged.” According to Pope Leo XIV, this approach changes both how individuals view others and how they live their lives.

He further explained that the parable demonstrates God’s perspective: “The parable speaks to us first about God’s way of seeing us, so that we in turn can learn how to see situations and people with his eyes, so full of love and compassion.”

Pope Leo also drew parallels between the Good Samaritan and Jesus Christ. He stated: “Jesus is the eternal Son whom the Father sent into our history because he regarded humanity with compassion and did not walk by. In Jesus, the Good Samaritan came to heal our wounds and pour upon us the balm of mercy and love.” Quoting Pope Francis, he added that Jesus represents “the compassion of the Father toward us.” Pope Leo concluded that discipleship involves transformation: “If Christ shows us the face of a compassionate God,” he said, “then to believe in Him and to be His disciples means allowing ourselves to be changed, to take on His feelings,..to have hearts that are moved, eyes that see and don’t look away, hands that help soothe wounds, and shoulders that bear the burdens of those in need.”

He called for what he described as a “revolution of love…to look without walking by, to halt the frantic pace of life, and to let others’ needs touch our hearts That is what makes us neighbors to one another, what generates true fraternity and breaks down walls and barriers.”

In Hawaii, Saints Damien and Marianne were cited as examples of living out these teachings through compassionate service. The work continues locally through organizations like HOPE Services Hawaii. This year marks its 15th anniversary. Founded by Carol Ignacio—who also started the Honolulu Diocese Office for Social Ministry—HOPE Services has focused on supporting those experiencing homelessness on Hawai‘i Island since 1986. Ignacio began her efforts by traveling throughout the island to identify needs directly from affected individuals before launching mobile outreach services providing food and basic necessities.

HOPE Services Hawai‘i remains affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; it serves thousands annually while continuing Ignacio’s mission inspired by values discussed in papal reflections.

Further information about Pope Leo XIV's reflections can be found at www.vatican.va , while details about Carol Ignacio’s work are available at www.hopeserviceshawaii.com .

As Pope Leo XIV said: “Let’s continue the” seeing with the eyes of our heart and responding with compassion. Mahalo.