Journey t
oward Justice
Cedric Harmon
Day 1 of 6: Journey to Compassion
“The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.”
-Psalm 145:9 (NRSV)
So often we live our lives and take action from a false premise—particularly the false premise that we have shared meaning and understanding of familiar words. “Compassion” is one such word that we use freely while assuming people know and agree with our meaning of the word.
We arrive at our personal understanding of words not simply from dictionary definitions. In fact, our understanding of words is greatly influenced by lived experiences; what we have heard; word pictures from specific events or occasions; and uses of the word in song lyrics, poems, and books we have read.
I suggest we frequently employ former Justice Potter Stewart’s famous phrase when we speak of compassion:
“I know it when I see it.”
In Psalm 145, God is described as a source of good to all, without exception. We encounter the expansive nature of God’s compassion toward all that exists in creation. This may cause one to pause in wonder: Good and compassion toward all! No exceptions?
This particular psalm is unique in its recognition by scholars as a “hymn of praise.” The opening verse is “I will extol you my God, and King, and bless your name forever and ever.” No request is made of God here.
In essence, so great is the goodness and compassion of God that no further request is necessary. Why?
If we were to consider the height of compassion as being confronted with the sufferings faced by others and then being motivated to relieve that suffering, then such compassion would be an encompassing gift.
Loving another human being and taking meaningful action to ensure their full thriving and well-being is compassion lived out loud.
May we journey to be so invested in care, kindness, and healing that our compassion leaves no one feeling a lack of love.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson, If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon