From the recording Spread Your Wings
Compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings… --Thomas Merton
I was deeply influenced by Matthew Fox's "A Spirituality Named Compassion". His thoughts on Compassion provide the background for this characteristic.
Fox unpacks the following as defining compassion:
Understanding those whom you are helping
Celebration of our unity and need for each other
Works of Mercy done with an attitude of helpfulness
Lifestyle that demonstrates compassion at all times.
Lyrics
Spread Your Wings
words and music by Richard H. Hill
Spread your wings... And fly above the mountain tops
Where the sun... breaks through the clouds
Soaring high... Far into the atmosphere
See the world... With holy beauty crowned
Carrying upon your back
The troubles of the world
Lift them to a higher plain
And release them to the sun
In your beak... Bear again the olive branch
An offering... Of tomorrow’s hope
Let your song... Gently fall to earth
Beck’ning forth... The heart’s own tones
Join the choir of heaving sadness
Lifting their mournful song
Add your voice in deep compassion
Til you and they are one
Then spread your wings... And lift them o’er the mountaintops
Where the sun... Breaks through the clouds
Soaring high... Far into the atmosphere
Show them the world... With holy beauty crowned