Oh God, I wish from now on to be the first to become conscious of all that the world loves, pursues and suffers;
I want to be the first to seek, to sympathize and to suffer; the first to unfold and sacrifice myself,
to become more widely human and more nobly of the earth than any of the world’s servants.
(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.)
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Marg 12.17.09 at 5:22 am
I have a little prayer copied in my journal. I try to pray it daily. It has to do with not being so judgmental. I think that when you stop judging, it lifts that mean-spirited lens from your eye. If you can put that down, compassion follows.
I believe that I will copy this Prayer for Compassion in my journal. I think this is the companion piece to my other little prayer. You cannot judge and have compassion at the same time.
M.
Ron Montpetit 12.17.09 at 10:54 am
Hi Marg, Eric and Company,
In the movie “Judgement At Nuremberg,” the cheif prosecutor, I think it was, said, “Evil in the absence of empathy.” The halocaust was an event completely and utterly devoid of empathy and “compassion.”
I think you are right Marg, “You cannot judge and have compassion at the same time.”
In the interest of economy of words, my response to Eric about, and under yesterday’s, “A Little Thing,” indirectly comments on today’s “Prayer for Compassion.” I was delighted to become once again reminded of Teilhard de Chardin’s words.
Ron
Eric 12.17.09 at 1:05 pm
Though I honor, esteem, and appreciate Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, I am a little surprised by his prayer. It is the word “first” that struck me. Isn’t he praying to do what Jesus already did? Or should I simply praise him for closely imitating Jesus?
Marg 12.17.09 at 2:36 pm
Eric,
I took “first” as, “let me be the one to offer compassion or understanding first, rather than waiting for the other guy to make a move.” I am always interested in hearing the response from the rest of you. It gives me a broader perspective and makes me reread and rethink.
m.
Eric 12.17.09 at 5:37 pm
Marg,
Your reading makes as much sense as mine, or more. Maybe I should only have looked for the best possible interpretation in the works of the brilliant and holy Fr. Pierre.
Eric
Paul 12.22.09 at 9:35 am
Eric,
I should probably have looked at the French original before posting the prayer. I’m pretty sure the French conveys the sense that Marg is suggesting.
Paul
Paul 12.22.09 at 9:36 am
Marg,
Will you share the prayer in your journal with us? I can’t speak for anyone else, but anything that helps me become less judgmental would be very welcome.
Paul