Thursday, December 5, 2013

Bless the Compassionate Lord

Jesus and the Just Reign of God
God Sends Jesus

Mary's Song of Praise

Psalm 103:13-22

The Message
6-18 God makes everything come out right;
    he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
    opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
    not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold,
    nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
    nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
    so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
    he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
    God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
    keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.
Men and women don’t live very long;
    like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
    leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always,
    eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
    as they follow his Covenant ways
    and remember to do whatever he said.
19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
    he rules over us all. He’s the King!
So bless God, you angels,
    ready and able to fly at his bidding,
    quick to hear and do what he says.
Bless God, all you armies of angels,
    alert to respond to whatever he wills.
Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
    everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless God!

For Reflection
God has made us emotional beings.  God has given us the freedom to choose.  God has provided us with the capacity for compassion.  We are capable of empathy and we were made that way for a reason.  God intends us to feel the joy and pain of others so that we can respond to each-other's need  and be moved to lift each-other's burdens.  Compassion is not charity.  Compassion is not mercy.  Compassion is what drives us to seek justice.  With the potential for justice comes hope.  Hope builds spiritual strength and meaningful lives. 

Pray
that you will pass on the love of God through your compassionate acts.  Pray that you will offer help to those who are burdened by life.  Pray that you will act in humility never expecting anything in return.  Pray that you will find joy in seeing others escape demoralizing circumstances.  Pray that the Lord will drive you to random acts of compassion.

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