Compassion is complicated

The Rev. Mark Canavan of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church inCicero is following the Scriptures when he says one way to fulfillthe church's mission is to reach out to the community's homeless.But his plan to turn a parish school cafeteria into a once-a-weekshelter to serve some of the area's homeless is so radical that itmay cause parishioners to turn from, rather than embrace, thebiblical ethic of compassion.

The teachings of Matthew 25:35-40 encourage Christians to feedthe hungry, clothe the naked and provide shelter to strangers. Intoday's world, there are many ways to perform this duty besidessetting an extra plate at the table or opening one's home to …