REV. FR. LAZAR ARASU SDB: Cultivating Christ-like Empathy

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion article by Rev. Fr. Lazar Arasu SDB on Christian empathy and the Catholic call to charity. The piece argues that Jesus is present in people who are hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick, defenseless or dying, and says that recognizing that presence is the starting point for Christian service. It presents empathy not as passive sympathy, but as compassion translated into practical action.

The author links this idea to biblical themes, including the incarnation, the Good Samaritan, and Matthew 25’s teaching on serving “the least of these.” He says Christian care should involve humility, listening, non-judgmental presence and concrete help, rather than distant advice or general sentiment. The article also notes that Catholic teaching describes the corporal works of mercy as direct responses to human need.

Fr. Arasu further frames empathy as central to pastoral care and Christian discipleship, saying it should extend even to enemies and people who are difficult to love because all people bear God’s image. He closes by connecting compassion to hope in the resurrection, arguing that Christian service is anchored in belief that suffering and death do not have the final word. The commentary is presented as a reflection on faith and mercy rather than a report on a breaking event.