The Ache

Thursday 1/14/10 time 8:51 PM - Karuna

How we respond to those most in need is the ultimate measure of our depth and capacity for care and compassion.  If we ache when we see pictures of people hurting, or when we hear or watch stories of pain and devastation, then, I believe, as painful as it is, our ache is one way we are truly reaching out, connecting, praying and holding those in need in our hearts, even if we can’t immediately or directly touch them.  

However, if we judge those in pain, implying that their situation is some how their fault or the result of some past actions or beliefs, then we are engaging in the most destructive energies on the planet – energies of fear, hate, indifference, apathy and oppression.  These destructive energies must be overcome by the loving, compassionate energies that are ignited by the ache we feel when witnessing suffering. 

So when we read, listen, or watch these stories about suffering, let us pray for those in need; and pray for those whose hearts are not yet open to the ache, and to the love and compassion that truly heals us all.