Come Into Wilderness Compassion

Gordon Kennedy April 25, 2021 0 3

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Mark 6: 30-34 (NRSVA)

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

The burden of unrelieved strain, the strain of good work, of achievement, of excitement, will break the strongest heart. “Come and rest a while” is a heaven born miracle of compassion. Come and rest a while is the gift of Christ we can share with others.

King Jesus, I have followed,

and served you to the end;

I cannot follow further,

my strength is at its end.

I’ve spoken of your kindness,

I’ve shared your love and grace;

I’m weary, tired and broken,

O let me see your face.

Compassionate Christ notice me.

Look upon my weakness and fill me anew with your power. From the ever-flowing fountain of your favour pour yourself into my life.

Thank you that the gift you give is always, only yourself.

All of you, given to all of us, given to all creation.

Broken-hearted Christ, this wound of love is now glorified in your eternal compassion.

Your heart is broken to see too many hungry in a world filled with food, too many lonely in a world filled with people, too many struggling under a heavy load with no one to bear it for them.

Broken-hearted Christ, break our hearts with what breaks yours. May your compassion be a daily miracle at work in our servant lives. May we invite others to come and rest a while, may we welcome others into your peace, may we be agents of your compassion for others.

King Jesus, you have summoned,

and I have followed you.

You’ve blessed me with compassion,

and I have known it’s true.

Now send me in your name, Lord,

to all who are in need,

to share your rich compassion,

in gift of word and deed.