COMPASSION - Oct 2017
This newsletter is a partnership of Weavings, Alive Now and The Academy for Spiritual Formation.
Caring without Numbing by Beth A. Richardson
The first time I remember feeling overwhelmed by the events of the world was sometime in 1999 when I watched the stories from the conflict in Kosovo. It was early in what was to become our 24-hour news cycle. And then 9/11 happened. And the South Asian tsunami (2004), and sometimes, these days, I can’t even look at the news without wanting to go to my room and get under the covers. I wonder, How can I continue to watch, to hear, to read about these tragedies of human life? How do aid workers, clergy, friends, and family continue to reach out as they hear the stories, see the wounds? How did Jesus do it?
As we learn to be persons of compassion in today’s world. It is easy to become overwhelmed and incapacitated when we face the pain of others. How can we find the healthy balance of caring that lies somewhere between compassion and numbing/ withdrawing as we walk alongside those in crisis?
I think Jesus found the right balance. The scripture tells us a little bit about how Jesus dealt with all the needs around him. First, he took action: he touched people, listened to them and healed them. He gave of himself whenever he could. Second, he prayed: he lived his life through a series of “holy moments.” He sought God and made time for God. Third, he took time apart: he went away in a boat, he went up the hill and left his disciples behind, he sought out times to be alone with God.
As I think about how I can respond to the pain, the tragedies that surround me, I hope I can remember Jesus’ example, his compassion, his action and interaction, his life of prayer, and his trust in God. I hope I can find a healthy way to live in compassion. Excerpted from Alive Now, January/February 2014, (Nashville: The Upper Room, 2014), 4-5.)
A Blessing Exercise
Blessing is the art of being spiritually present to others in prayer. It is asking for God to surround a particular person or situation with love, healing, and peace.Begin by finding a comfortable and quiet place to pray the blessing prayer. Take several slow, deep breaths while letting go any tension in your neck and shoulders. Imagine that you are held in God’s gentle, loving hands. Let yourself rest there and savor the quiet. ...
Join us today in the spiritual practice of blessing ...
A Day of Prayer for the Healing of the World
October 17, 2017
8:30 - 3:30 p.m. (CDT)
TO DO LIST:
1. Take action
2. Pray
3. Seek times apart
Loving God, touch and heal our brothers and sisters around the world. Guide our leaders in the ways of peace. Give them wisdom, compassion, and loving hearts. Help us to follow the example of Jesus in our families and communities. Show us how to love without tiring, to care without numbing, to pray without ceasing. Make us vessels of your compassion. Amen. Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.
*** (Isaiah 49:15, NRSV)
This monthly newsletter brings resources for your spiritual journey and updates from The Upper Room.
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