Walking Beside Another

When Jesus saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

— Mark 6:34Dear Cathedral Family

Many confuse compassion with empathy. To be empathic is to feel the pain of others. It is primarily emotional, a visceral response to suffering. Some people identify themselves as “empaths” and this can be a hardship, for when you feel the pain of others, it can cloud your judgment. Empathy must be tempered with reason because there are times when it is wise to let our loved ones suffer the consequences of their decisions. We should not deny them the opportunity of learning from failure and its consequences. If we rescue our loved ones, they don’t really learn about the results of their actions.

Compassion is not about feelings. It is about walking beside someone. It is about listening and learning from those who may be enduring pain. It is compassion that St. Paul mentions as a great attribute. And Jesus looks upon us with compassion in Mark 6:34. He understands us, notices our plight, and loves us right where we are. He loves us even though we are like sheep without a shepherd.

Compassion can be practiced. It is the learned ability to walk beside, listen, and see others more clearly. When we have compassion, we are less likely to respond in anger or judgment, and our decisions will be wiser and more generous.

As followers of Jesus, let us practice compassion in our everyday lives and see the fruit that is produced. Fruit of the Spirit, as Paul once wrote. It is this fruit that will nourish a starved world.

In Christ’s love,

Kate+