Reflect
What’s the difference between empathy and compassion? While empathy is knowledge of the other’s suffering and feeling for it, compassion takes that a step beyond. It acts to alleviate suffering. Compassion responds only to suffering, but empathy can also share joy, success, or happiness.
Pray
Loving God, I picture this person or group: __________.
I send them compassion, an offering joined with your strength
to lift them in hope and grace.
Amen.
Act
Choose an action of Jesus from one of the Gospels that you consider most compassionate. Next time you’re feeling frustrated, hurt, or tired, return to that scene. Picture yourself receiving his compassion.
