Embodying compassion

The Hebrew Scriptures reveal that compassion and mercy lie at the core of the character of God. Micah 6:8 reminds us of our calling to 'act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God'. Zechariah 7:9 reminds us that God wants us to show mercy and compassion to one another. It is a thread that weaves through the Hebrew Scriptures. And then, God is revealed in the flesh, living amongst us as a human person to show us what this means in practice. 'And God chose to reveal who God is by slipping into skin and walking among us as Jesus. And the love and grace and mercy of Jesus was so offensive to us that we killed him' (Nadia Boltz-Weber). And then, the work of compassion and mercy was handed to the disciples and followers of Jesus, where we are asked to embody compassion and mercy following his example. In the world of social media and the click of a button to support a cause, what does it look like to embody compassion and mercy?

The reflection below by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) reflects on the way we are called to embody and reveal Christ's compassion and mercy.

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks

Compassion on this world,

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,

Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,

Yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks
 with compassion on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.