Dear Friends,

I know that one of the key elements to a life of Service is Compassion.  It doesn’t matter what World Religion you espouse, compassion is a key factor.  To me compassion can simply be defined as feeling with someone or something.  Notice it doesn’t go into fixing whatever is going on with someone, but rather just feeling with them.  In doing Spiritual Direction with individuals I have found it tempting to want to offer thoughts on how to eliminate their problem, but the only direction I truly offer is how they can get back to God. The answer to whatever is going on or whatever solution is possible lies between them and God.  By feeling with another I can ask the question which will open the door to a deepening of who they are in God.  Listening and being compassionate is often viewed as some sort of weak sister to DOING something.  I have learned sometimes it is better to be silent than to offer words that only fill up the emptiness.

One of the discoveries in my life has occurred in thinking it is easier to be compassionate towards another than myself.  Not true!  In fact, we have the thought process backwards.  We think if I can be compassionate towards another then I will finally be able to do the same for myself.  What I have learned along the way is deep down in me there are certain things I think, feel or do which are not only unacceptable for me but also for others.  I may say it is alright for another to think feel or do something, but if I am honest it isn’t true.  Only by being compassionate with myself can I ever be the same way with another.  The spiritual adventure is most alive when I encounter those deep dark unacceptable thoughts or feelings.  By daring to live with them I can find out how to live through them.  Living fully in God is leaving no inner stone unturned.  There may be a few things to face before we can get to that place however.  Let’s talk about those.

The first and most important one is related to our concept of God.  Do we believe in a God who accepts us as we are or do we have to jump through some hoops to get god’s approval?  Most religions are selling a god who demands hoop jumping.  These thoughts are acceptable and these are not.  These feelings are alright to feel and these are not.  These actions are given god’s ok and these are not.  It is not worthy of a god person to not do this or that.  With a god like this we never measure up to the holy standards of perfection.  In addition compassion doesn’t come from this kind of god.  Instead we hear words like these – What is wrong with you?  I give you all this and you can’t do this or that for me?  Why can’t you be like Jesus or Buddha?  You know who this kind of god sounds like? - Our parents or other authority figures in our lives.  It is never quite good enough and so feel guilty or are filled with shame.  How sad!  For generations the holy books have either portrayed a false god or been interpreted to convey a tyrant god.  Until we realize this and allow God’s Spirit of Compassion to forgive us and forget those unforgiveable actions or most importantly quiet these notions we will be stuck, stuck in a compassionless journey.  Leaders in all areas of life will continue to manipulate us or threaten us with the end of God’s Love.  That deep yearning inside of us for something more will remain empty.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.  If we dare to go against the “authorities” and listen to the inner Authority we will begin to feel at home in our skin.  We will begin to feel the Compassion of a God who Loves us Unconditionally.  No more have to’s or ought’s!  No more guilt or shame over something we have thought, felt, did or didn’t do.  Now instead of running and hiding from the supposed bad in us we can embrace it.  we can now ask the question the Apostle Paul asked, “Why do I do things I don’t want to do and don’t do the things I want to do?”  We are not called to be God. but rather God like.  We are not called to be Christ, but rather to put on the mind of Christ.  What better teaching in life then to discover when I am trying to be God or living up to some unattainable lifestyle?  How can a God of Love find any problem with us when we fall short of the mark and want to understand or discover why?  Or even if we are oblivious to such things?  Maybe perfection isn’t in getting it right, but rather in being unconditionally loving to yourself?  Could this be the source of compassion?  Could this also be the source of compassion for others? – No matter what?

St. Augustine said some words that initially disturbed me, but now I find peacefulness in their guidance.  He said, “Love God and do as you please!”  What do you think?