A Practice of Compassion

Imagination

Call to Practice

This week will center around compassion. For compassion to become embodied in the world, we must deal with the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Part of living this command is loving and acknowledging the needs of others, and, just as importantly, loving and acknowledging the needs of ourselves.

The Setting

As we recognize the way that Jesus healed the leper and the blind through touch, we acknowledge that there is grace in the act of respectful, honoring touch. On the night that Jesus instituted the Eucharistic meal, he also knelt to wash the feet of the disciples. This act of love and service done to the body reminds us that incarnation was, fundamentally, a corporeal act.

We honor our bodies as vessels bearing the divine light of Christ, and in so doing, begin the work of compassion. If we live disembodied—separated from or hating our embodiment—we will not understand the power of the incarnation. If we hate our bodies we cannot be compassionate to others.

To have compassion to to be with someone. This implies that we will be companioned as well as companioning. Along the road of pilgrimage, we are taught compassion through embracing the incarnation of the Christ in each of us. 

Opening Prayer

Creator God, who shaped my body from dust and love, meet me here. Give me compassion for the world, the other, and myself. Give me grace to encounter my own incarnation as a vessel of grace and light.

Amen.

Lighting the Candle

I light this candle to remind me that God was born into a body, walked on feet, told stories, and smiled at the taste of honey. May I honor my body and the bodies of others as the body of Christ.

Confession

I confess that I have not loved myself. I confess that I have not loved the other. I confess that I have chosen to look with derision on what God has created in love. I lay down the burden of perfection and turn toward the wonder of incarnation and, thus, toward compassion.

First Reading

For this module, these scriptures will be used in the Act of Response. If desired, you can skip this initial reading.

  • Day 1: Exodus 3:9–12

  • Day 2: Matthew 15:21–28

  • Day 3: Romans 12:9–13

  • Day 4: Exodus 33:12–23

The Inquiry

Journal through these questions. A simple sentence or word is sufficient.

  • In what ways did you experience or observe God today?

  • In what ways did you feel distant from God today?

  • How would you like to grow in your relationship with God today?

After you complete your journaling, write or speak the following blessing:

“(Your name), in the name of Jesus Christ know you are beloved of God.”

The Act of Response

Compassion

Practice: “Lectio Divina,” Latin for “reading divinely,” is an ancient practice of reading and praying with Scripture. It is a practice that was developed mainly by monks, but can be used by anyone. Isaiah’s call to be a prophet offers a wealth of imagery and  florid language for readers to receive. Return to the First Reading. Each day, use the scripture for the day to work through the process of lectio divina outlined below.

Day 1 Exodus 3:9–12

Day 2 Matthew 15:21–28

Day 3 Romans 12:9–13

Day 4 Matthew 25:31–46

“Lectio” Reading

  • Read the passage, slowly, out loud.

  • As you read, notice words or phrases that resonate with you.

  • Let the words pour over your soul.

Meditatio” Meditation/Focus/Thinking

  • Read the passage again, slowly, out loud.

  • Write down any word or phrase that resonated with you during the first reading.

“Oratio” Talking to God/Praying.

  • Offer prayers to God in the form of questions. Example: “How are you sending us to serve your people, oh God?”

  • Speak any other words to God that you feel moved to share.

“Contemplatio” Contemplation.

  • Finally, simply let go of everything. Set a timer for three minutes as you observe a period of silence.

  • Empty your mind and let God fill you with holy silence, if you feel your mind starting to wander, focus on your breathing.

Second Reading

Day 1: The Rebirthing of God, Chapter 2

Day 2: The Rebirthing of God, Chapter 2

Day 3: The Rebirthing of God, Chapter 2

Day 4: Simple Harmony, Chapter 8

Closing Prayer

We acknowledge the blessing of our incarnation, and we ask that be given ways to honor our incarnation this week with tender care and joy. We ask for freedom for all people. We ask that we may see ways to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and protect the vulnerable, and do so with compassion.

In the name of the Word through whom all was created,

Amen

Blessing

May the blessing of the incarnation be embodied in you, and may you find strength in knowing that God created you in love.

Other Resources

Andrea LingleComment