Spirituality Resources

CALLED TO COMPASSION

INTRODUCTION

Compassion is love in action. To be compassionate is to act in a loving, caring way, truly feeling for the needs of others. A person who is truly compassionate makes believable the truth that we are all lovable—capable of loving and being loved. Many people today find this truth hard to believe.

INVITATION TO PRAYER

LEADER: We are gathered together in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us pray. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, you were attentive to the hungry people of your day.

ALL: Loving and compassionate God, you created me out of love and called me into life through the gift of human love. You love me with an everlasting love! Your love is always present to me. I pray for the grace to believe more deeply this truth, that in turn, I will be able to call forth this truth in the minds and hearts of my students. Amen.

LEADER: Lord Jesus, the rich as well as the poor brought to you their needs and hungers.

ALL: Lord, teach me your ways.

LEADER: Lord Jesus, you gave your all that others might live.

ALL: Lord, teach me your ways.

REFLECTIVE LISTENING

Suggested songs:
“I Have Loved You” Michael Joncas

SCRIPTURE READING:

Romans 12:9–16

GUIDED REFLECTION

The pressure and fast pace of living today can easily prevent us from pausing and taking seriously the gospel call to bless those who persecute us, to weep with those who weep, to be happy with those who are happy. Taking time to look at our life—at our choices—can reveal to us the truth of who we are as gospel people.

LITANY

LEADER: Compassionate God, you call me to weep with those who weep;

ALL: I weep with (quietly name a student you know who is hurting.

LEADER: Compassionate God, you call me to bless those who persecute me;

ALL: I bless especially (quietly name a student with whom you have difficulty.)

LEADER: Compassionate God, you call me to be happy with those who are happy;

ALL: I am happy with (quietly name a student who brings you joy.)

RITUAL

Invite each staff member to place on the prayer table his or her own class list of students, praying silently that the spirit of compassion will permeate their daily interaction with one another.

JOURNALING

The call to compassion is a call to be in touch with our deepest self. It challenges us to name our response to the people with whom we live and work. Ponder for a few moments the students whose names surfaced for you during our litany prayer. Jot down each name and with a word or phrase identify why you respond to that student the way you do. Let’s pray for those who we find hard to love. Let’s ask for the grace to become more compassionate and accepting.
Compassionate God, please bless. . .

Suggested Scripture readings for further reflection:

1 John 3:18

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

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