Compassion -- Antidote to Fear

I'd like to think a bit more about this issue of fear that I broached earlier today. I'm reading Peter Gomes' The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus, a book I'll be reviewing here in short order. I think that Gomes' words are helpful right now, as we are caught up in difficult times -- whether or not these are the worst economic times since the Great Depression.

Gomes suggests that in the face of fear we consider the importance of compassion.

The opposite of fear is not courage but compassion. We fear what we do not know and the mother of fear is ignorance, but we cannot fear that which we love, for, as Jesus tells us, perfect love casts out fear. Compassion leaves no room for fear; we are too busy doing what we can, what we must, and what God wishes us to do, to take time to fear the consequences. If the Good Samaritan had indulged his fears both of the dangers of the highway and of what others might think of his imprudent but compassionate behavior, he would have done nothing at all. Compassion has to do with the exercise of that inner strength that allows us power in the face of powerlessness and of the powers-that-be. (p. 107).


Whether the issue is politics, economics, or cultural issues, if we let fear rule the day we fall short of what and who we should be. Compassion, as Gomes points out, requires action from us, and when we're at work, we don't have time to fear. Again, as we face uncertain times, may we reach out in compassion. Love, as Gomes also points out, will fortify our inner spirit!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Exactly what I have discovered. You cannot take and give at the same time. As you give compassion and understanding to others, you are free from the need for it to come from others.

"All the joy the world contains
Comes through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Comes through wanting pleasure for oneself."

Shantideva
Anonymous said…
I think that's wise. The problem is to stay grounded in love when fear is flying all around in the media and in the conversation of people worried about jobs, homes, etc. How do you do that?
viagra online said…
I think compassion is more that an antidote to fear, it also can restore the confidence of someone shy

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