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Scripture Reflection, July 20: Compassion is Power

Scripture readings:
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Psalm 86
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-43

Check out the podcast of this scripture reflection.

Often we misunderstand what it means to have power.

For example, in U.S. culture power is defined by money. If you have money then you have the power to influence politicians, to access better food and health care and to live in a safe neighborhood. We have good intentions when we embrace power in this way. After all, we need to nurture the lives of our loved ones. But the harsh reality that goes along with this is that we create a world in which some are powerful and many are powerless.

The readings for this Sunday, however, give us a different understanding of power. They reveal a divine power from the God of Jesus Christ that is merciful, just and empowering. The reading from Wisdom reminds us that true power is reserved for the Living God and takes the forms of mercy and justice. The author writes, “But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency... And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind...” Like God, we are to be both loving and fierce; a nurturing Mother or Father who is also a defender of the poor and the afflicted. For humans, justice and mercy often do not correspond. But for God one cannot be had without the other.

The reading from Romans builds on this and tells us that power wielded in a godly manner is a force that does not operate through domination. Instead, it operates in a way that multiplies and shares power—in other words, it is empowering. As Paul writes, “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness…And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.” God’s Spirit is always working and is always with us. The Spirit is our strengthener and our advocate. When we find ourselves powerless the Spirit is the One who empowers us to struggle for dignity and freedom.

The gospel reading, then, shows us the purpose of this more godly understanding of power. In two small parables Jesus reminds us that God’s kingdom and its power are akin to the yeast that a woman kneads into dough to leaven the bread and make it rise and expand. And he also reminds us that it is akin to the tiny mustard seed that, when nurtured, yields life not only for itself but for the creatures that surround it. In short, Jesus is showing that God’s kingdom expands this divine power which brings life to humankind and to all of creation.

In each of these readings we are faced with an understanding of God’s power that is counterintuitive: power as compassion. This means that power is merciful rather than condemning, just rather than vindictive or wishy-washy, empowering rather than dominating. In the readings we encounter a compassionate God who will mold us in God’s image to be merciful, just and empowering in our relationships with others.

Compassion is power. But how many of us really believe this? Just imagine how our world might be different if we did. How many wars would be prevented, how many of the oppressed would be freed, how many wounds would be healed if we truly believed that true power is compassion rather than domination? Our lives and our world might look very different if we dared to tread in the footsteps of Jesus in this way.

This is the challenge of this week’s readings: to become living reminders that power is compassion and is meant to give life and to heal suffering. And as disciples of Jesus we are called to become that compassion to others.

By Kevin Considine

Kevin graduated from Catholic Theological Union in May 2008 and will be beginning a Ph.D. program in theology at Loyola University, Chicago.

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