Reflection
Insight and compassion enable us to see the world beyond the accepted view. We see ourselves within the larger context of creation. In a spirit of love and understanding, we see persons as always more important than rules, and creation as the interdependent reality in which we all exist. This frees us to be open to the action of the Spirit. It makes us act with sensitivity and respect for one another and for the fragility of all life.
Prayer
O God, enable us to see more clearly and act more respectfully.
Action
Try to treat all others within this context.
Suggested Reading
But seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
And he said, “Are you also still without understanding?”
Matthew 15:16.
A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person’s speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. “It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known.”
Thomas Aquinas
We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
T.S. Elliot
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.
Galileo Galilei
Life is not perfect and people are not perfectable. Only understanding, only compassion- the ability to beat life with the rest of humanity, whatever burdens the beating brings, perfects us.
Joan Chittister, OSB
Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
Dalai Lama XIV
Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.
Marvin J. Ashton