Editor's Note: Originally published in April 1999, this reflection by Beth Richardson continues to ring true today as daily we are confronted by violence and seeming hopelessness both around the world and at our own doorsteps.
Last night on the television news I saw pictures of a bombed-out caravan of
Kosovo refugees. I saw pictures of burning vehicles. I saw and heard children and old people crying in sadness and terror. I heard a reporter describe what he had seen along seven miles of road -- burned vehicles, abandoned belongings, carnage
everywhere.
I also saw video of a baby being born in a refugee camp hospital. The baby's family lives in a primitive refugee camp in which they receive bread only once a week. When
the baby was first born, its mother asked the doctors to take it away. She
didn't know if she wanted the baby -- how could she provide for a new baby
when there wasn't enough food for her other children? Then I saw the mother
and the baby returning to the camp from the field hospital. The baby's
father and brothers and sisters were waiting to welcome him home to a tent
surrounded by fences and guards.
I wondered, How can I continue to see, to hear, to read about this tragedy
of human life? How can the aid workers continue to work, hearing the
stories, seeing the wounds? How do they do it? How did Jesus do it?
The scriptures tell us that people followed Jesus everywhere. There were so
many people with so many needs around him all the time. And Jesus met those
needs -- touching them, healing them, feeding their spirits and their
bodies. Jesus' eyes saw the hurt, his ears heard the crying, his hands
touched the wounded places, and surely, his heart felt pain -- their pain, his
pain at seeing so many people with so many needs. I wonder, did Jesus ever
experience compassion fatigue? (I sure do.)
The scripture also tells us a little bit about how Jesus dealt with all the needs around him. First, he took action: he spoke with people, he touched them, he listened to them, he healed them. He gave of himself whenever he could. Second, he prayed: he lived his life through a series of "holy moments." He sought God, he listened to God, he made time for his relationship with God. Third, he took time apart: he went away in a boat, he went up the hill and left his disciples behind, he sought out times to be alone with God.
As I think about how I can respond to the people, the pain, the tragedies
that surround me, I hope I can remember Jesus' example, his compassion, his
action and interaction, his life of prayer, and his trust in God.
Loving God,
touch and heal the hurting places of our brothers and sisters around the world. Guide our
leaders in the ways of peace. Give them wisdom, compassion, and loving
hearts. Help us to follow the example of Jesus in our actions, in our
spiritual lives, in our families and communities. Show us how to love
without tiring, to care without numbing, to pray without ceasing.
Amen.
Beth A. Richardson is Director of Electronic Publishing at The Upper Room.
