Compassion

FAST FOR THE WEEK: TELEVISION/MUSIC/MEDIA
This week, forgo the usual shows. In fact, turn off the TV altogether. Drive without the radio. Leave the iPod at home. What is it like to increase the silence/decrease the media inputs into your life? Do you miss it? Does it make you anxious? Relaxed? Something else? What does your reaction to this fast tell you about your connectedness to media? Keep journal entries of what silence does for you, what missing certain shows/events means. Spend the time listening for the still small voice of God.


PASSAGE FOR THE DAY
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV)


REFLECTION QUESTIONS AND PRAYER
Consider: When was the last time you felt moved by compassion? What did you do because of your com¬passion? Are you truly moved by compassion if no action follows? 

Pray: That Jesus' prayer would be an¬swered—that more and more people would be moved "out into the fields" to not only heal and love, but to preach the Gospel with words and deeds. Pray that God would show you your place in that.