On Compassion


There is no wilderness so terrible, so beautiful, so arid and so fruitful as the wilderness of compassion. It is the only desert that shall truly flourish like the lily.   - Thomas Merton

I can't say anything about love that hasn't been said before. But what helps keep me going when I feel dry is the reminder that we are all called to see the desert with eyes of hope. It is this hope that Isaiah recognizes when he describes the vision of God's kingdom.

Isaiah 35:1-2

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;
    the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;



it shall blossom abundantly

    and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
    the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.


They shall see the glory of the Lord,
              the majesty of our God. 



May our eyes see the goodness of the Lord, even in the desert!



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