Compassion asks much of us. It requires anonymity, altruism, and a willingness to cross boundaries of difference. Love does not depend on identity or shared background. It does not ask for credentials or demand proof of worthiness. Instead, it acts freely and generously. Compassion asks us to see humanity in others, to set aside our labels and judgments, and to respond to need with open hearts. The road of life presents us with opportunities to live this out. When we encounter someone in need, the call is simple: respond with care. Provide what we can. Extend mercy. Let us commit to making compassion a guiding principle in all we do, reflecting its transforming power in our actions.
May we walk the road of life with open hearts,
extending compassion, mercy, and love to all we encounter.
(inspired by Allen Dwight Callahan, Compassion: Signposts on the Jericho Road)