The title of Karen Armstrong's new book Twelve Steps To A Compassionate Life brings to mind the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. First we must admit that we are addicted -- addicted to our ego -- "our pet hatreds and prejudices give us such a buzz of righteousness; like addicts we have come to depend on the instant rush of energy and delight we feel when we display our cleverness in an unkind remark..."
Blindness takes many forms. Color blindness, night blindness and macular degeneration are physiological.
Then there are the spiritual blindnesses: walking past a beggar without seeing him, the inability to see the hurt of an insensitive comment, the self blindness of criticizing another's faults but not seeing one's own. Is it possible that we are all born blind in some way " so that God's works may be revealed in us" [John 9:3]?
When we give up something for Lent -- what fills in its place? Do we give that space to something else we indulge in? Or do we open up that created space and time to God so that he may be revealed in us? Can I give up the blindness of of ego to become more compassionate? Can I give up the blindness of being "right" in favor of just being kind?
Lord, help me to see the beauty in each person I encounter. may I give up to you space and time in my life so that your love will be revealed to others through me.
Amen. Amein. Ameen.
Paul Sannerud
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