Our theme for June is Compassion. The question to consider is, What does it mean to be a people of compassion? As Unitarian Universalists, our second principle is to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
We hear and use the word compassion so often we may not give much thought to what it means in terms of equity and justice. Empathy indicates an ability to understand someone’s pain. Compassion opens our heart to the suffering of others in ways that move us to action to alleviate the pain. Right now, we are surrounded by suffering. We are also seeing many acts of compassion as people reach out to do what they can to transform suffering.
Covid-19 has exposed numerous examples of inequity and injustice. Populations most affected by the virus are those with the least access to the resources necessary to maintain health and safety in the face of the virus. We easily recognize compassionate responses from frontline workers and first responders. Not so visible are everyday actions like sewing masks, making phone calls, sending notes, delivering food or other necessities, helping with yard work, or offering needed services while social distancing. Using our voice and our vote to change laws, or call attention to injustice is another way to act on the compassion we feel for those most affected. Most recently compassion has motivated people to speak out against the horrific murder of George Floyd. A murder carried out in plain sight of bystanders. Unimaginable? No. We have seen far too many lives taken by bigotry and hate to find this unbelievable. It was good to see the participation of our UUCP community in a public witness against this heinous act.
In the midst of the trauma that surrounds us, it is essential to have compassion for ourselves, as well. The change in our routine and the unpredictability of our current situation adds stress that may or may not be consciously acknowledged. We are more help to others when we take care of ourselves, as well. Treat yourself to some loving kindness. Research ways of self-compassion that work best for you. One suggestion is to add up all the things on your plate right now. You might find it surprising, especially if you feel like you are not doing enough.
The arc of the moral universe won’t magically bend toward justice. Our hands, hearts, and minds must be at work. The shorter version of that statement from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., comes from a sermon delivered in 1853 by the abolitionist minister Theodore Parker. Born in Lexington, Massachusetts, in 1810, Parker studied at Harvard Divinity School and eventually became an influential transcendentalist and minister in the Unitarian church. In that sermon, Parker said: “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by experience of sight. I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.”
In order to bend the arc, we need a clear vision of what justice really looks like.
May the hard facts that seem so obvious to many of us now, help create that vision. And may we not tire of the work.
In Love and Hope,
Rev. Alice