“Silence is God’s first language.” – St. John of the Cross

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Mark 6:34

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.

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Each of us has had the experience of feeling like a sheep without a shepherd.

I know there were definitely times I felt lost.

At the worst, it was generally because my ego had hijacked my life.

My mind was at its beck and call.

The non-stop chattering of ideas would circle and circle as to what my next step should be.

It wasn’t until I was thoroughly miserable at my ego’s plans that I was finally able to hear the silent voice of a Higher Power.

For me, it wasn’t until I truly took to heart the words of Jesus in the gospels and started to follow him that my life started to turn around.

Jesus and his ways remain my North Star to guide me.

And this has made all the difference.

But it required lots of changes and letting go.

As a follower of Jesus, I am called to also be open to having my heart moved with pity for others.

I think a better translation for the word pity would be empathy or compassion.

This requires that I join those who are in need – not simply care about them.

I must listen to them, empathize with them, be present to them and then stand with them in working for positive change.

For this to happen, a person’s heart must be open and not closed.

A person must be willing to listen and change.

The voice of the Spirit is gentle and quiet.

A contemplative practice such as Centering Prayer or meditation would be very helpful.

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Listen to the song of the day “Slow Me Down” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

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Remember: God loves you!