“Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” – Pema Chodron

+++

Listen to the PODCAST version of Today’s Contemplation by clicking HERE.

For a deeper reflection, listen to my song “Heal Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE

My albums and books Mercy Reigns & Listen to Your Heart are available for purchase HERE. Also available on Amazon.

Thank you!

+++

Mark 1:40-41

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

+++

Why do people suffer with illnesses?

Why are many people afflicted with various diseases?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

These are the questions humankind has struggled over for millennia.

Could it be that this is the only way we can truly experience empathy and compassion?

Let’s face it, if everything was perfect, we probably would be quite self-centered and completely under the control of our egos.

Have you noticed how people tend to suddenly come together and care for each other in times of trouble?

It seems it takes a tragedy to jolt people out of their self-centered-trance and wake-up to the realization that we are all part of the same human species and that we all share the same planet with creatures, plants, and trees.

Everything that has life shares in that One Life.

In today’s scripture verses, we see a man afflicted with leprosy begging Jesus to heal him.

And it says that Jesus was moved with pity.

He was emotionally moved.

This is compassion.

It’s perhaps the one common denominator shared by each human being regardless of their religious beliefs.

Many Near Death Experiencers say that this earthly realm is the only place where such adversities can be experienced so that we can truly know what it is to have compassion for another, or where we can experience compassion from another when we need it.

Put yourself in the leper’s shoes in today’s passage.

Perhaps you are struggling with an illness or affliction?

Perhaps you are grieving over a loss?

Feel the hand of Jesus as he reaches out and touches you.

Now, put yourself in the shoes of Jesus.

Who in your life is hurting, and in need of a healing touch?

Perhaps that touch, that listening ear and kind word, can come from you.

We’re all in this together.

+++

Listen to the song of the day “Heal Me” on the Live to Love album by clicking HERE.

Purchase my albums/CDs and books by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!