ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
January 3, 2022
I have been thinking some about a quote from the Headmaster at Hogwarts, Dumbledore, who said to Harry Potter, “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, above all, those who live without love.” As we think about those who do not know love, do we truly feel enough ache within our souls to do something about it? Or is the pity we feel nothing more than a spectator’s sentiment that never finds itself to any sort of action? Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is overcome by some emotion felt deep within his gut and it is followed by some tangible response. He felt compassion for people, and then we often read of him stretching out his hand or offering words of comfort or providing for people’s needs. I have concern for the church right now, and part of it is connected to a pity or compassion that is not substantive. Now when I say that, I can also point to Cypress Creek’s Prayer Blanket Ministry, our outreach to Boys and Girls Country or to our individual members who actively show compassion to a family in need; to those stuck in our broken immigration system; to a transgender youth who is facing homelessness. I’m not too sure what our encounter at the gates of heaven will look like or whether there are even gates to enter, but I don’t believe Jesus wants to hear from his disciples, “Oh, I felt a great deal of pity.” If that’s our answer, I think he’ll have a follow-up question that might be a bit more difficult to answer.
I pray for all those who are searching for even a hint of love today. O Lord God, give me a heart capable of feeling the deep ache of compassion followed by a heartfelt passion to do something. May your Spirit be my guide. Amen.
