Rechemet compassion

19
Compassion.

description

The roots of the 14th century English word "compassion" are from the French for "struggle" and "together". But the roots of its Hebrew twin are much deeper and are shared with the word "rechemet" - "womb". This brings a whole new perspective to compassion ensuring that we consider that even as there is a time for us to hold one another compassionately, there is also a time when we must let go. Focused moment prepared for West Hill United, www.westhill.net

Transcript of Rechemet compassion

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Compassion.

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We watch and listen,

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stand witness to the circumstances that ravage other hearts

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and our own are stretched

beyond the comfort of the familiar.

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We respond, our actions scripted by the very word we seek to live:

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com-passion – “to suffer” “together”.

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But more ancient roots bind us to a deeper truth,

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a primal connection,

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the rhythmic pulse that takes us

back to our beginnings,

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the womb out of which life pushed us forth.

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There, for a time, was oneness,

satiety,

untroubled truths.

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May our hearts open with

compassion,

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create a womb of peace for those whose lives are stark with terror,

riven with discord, bleak with despair

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that they may sense connection,

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sort through troubled truths,

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and find a fullness they had lost.

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And may life,

push them forth once more

in due time,

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even as it opens its arms to receive them.

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Fresh. New. Alive.