A Deeply Spiritual Concern

 “The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.  It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others - even our enemies - is a denial of our common humanity.”
        ―from Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong

We need more compassion—a deeper sense of our common humanity—in our lives, in our world, in all aspects of our society, and most especially in the principles and policies of those who seek to govern.  This is a deeply spiritual concern—not only a political, economic, or social one.  And yet, the intense anger I feel about the state of our country is almost blinding.  My anger often eclipses the compassion I need personally and the compassion I want to give.  How do I access that necessary, quenching reservoir of compassion?  How might I pray—honestly and earnestly—and not lose heart?  
 

I recognize, in the great diversity of creation, God’s unfailing abundance and blessings, and I also recognize, within that diversity, my faithful responsibility and call to action.  Perhaps compassion is the force that draws my prayer and action together.  Perhaps compassion embodies the antidote to the intense intolerance, hatred, distrust, and extremism that has been stirred up this election season.  Perhaps compassion holds the grace that can see us through.  I believe this is possible.
 

This past week, I read an invitation from the Church historian Diana Butler Bass.  There are now less than 40 days until the Nov. 3 election.  And she invites us to consider this time like we would consider Lent—as a time devoted to prayer and practice.  Pray.  Act.  Every day for 40 days.  
 

She frames it like this:  1) Pray daily for some specific issue or candidate.  “Prayer takes many forms - I often think of Anne Lamott’s triad: help, thanks, wow.  This is a time for all three sorts of prayers.  Ask God for help if you are angry, afraid, despairing. Ask for help on behalf of others, intercede for specific issues and candidates.  Honestly, the nation and the world are in a desperate state right now - don’t hesitate to pray “help, help, help” on behalf of yourself, for all those who are fearful and suffering, and for the healing of the planet.  Find gratitude in the midst of it all - for truth tellers, activists, courageous voters, politicians who care about the common good, for those willing to take risks.  For exhausted campaign workers, brave preachers, overworked parents.  Say thank you to God, to the universe, to your friends and neighbors. Remember these words of Maya Angelou: ‘Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.’  Open yourself to awe - you’re going to need the “wow” of birdsong and blue skies, of starry nights or laughing on zoom. Even now, especially now, praise is possible, and it is the song of life. Give yourself moments of wonder.”  
 

2) Take action every day.  “Donate money, make calls, vote early, write postcards, encourage others, go to a Zoom rally, distribute signs. Light candles. Join a protest or vigil (safely, of course). Help others understand new voting procedures. Volunteer if you are to assist at the polls. Post smart, reliable information and important news stories on social media. Correct rumors and gossip. Be loud. . . .
 

“Your prayers needn’t be dissertations or polished liturgies. Your actions needn’t be earth-shattering. Heartfelt, even wordless, prayers speak magic into the universe. Small actions add up, daily acts compound goodness.”  Let us loose great, unadulterated compassion into this world!

See you in (zoom) church,  
Christy