Compassion
Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
I Corinthians 4:1-5
STORY
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is best known for his television program Life Is Worth Living, that aired from 1952 to 1957. Many consider this program established Sheen as one of the first televangelist.
The archbishop, in his autobiography Treasure in Clay, recounted a visit he made to a leper colony in Buluba, Africa. He intended to give a silver crucifix to each of the 500 lepers residing in the colony. The first person came forward to receive the symbol of the Lord’s Redemption. This man was so disfigured by the ravages of leprosy that the priest was repulsed by the sight. The man’s left arm was eaten off at the elbow by the disease, so he extended his right hand, holding forth the most foul, noisome mass of corruption the missionary ever beheld. Unable to bear the leper’s presence, Sheen held the crucifix above the man’s palm and dropped it, then watched it being immediately swallowed up in a decaying mass of flesh. Instantly, Sheen was aware of his unrighteous act. He had taken the crucifix – God’s sign of identification with humanity – and refused to associate himself with one of God’s children. Overcome with remorse, Sheen dug his fingers into the man’s leprosy and removed the crucifix. This time the priest gently placed the crucifix in the man’s hand. Sheen respectfully handed a crucifix to each of the remaining 499 lepers and, in the exchange, learned to love them.
Regarding this incident Sheen wrote, “All of a sudden there were 501 lepers in that camp; I was the 501st because I had taken that symbol of God’s identification with a man and refused to identify myself with someone who was a thousand times better on the inside than I.”
DEVOTION
Every human being is a child of God, whom we must appreciate and admire. Each man, woman, and child we encounter is to be treated with dignity and respect. At no time are we to turn away any individual because of that person’s sex, age, race, social status, idiosyncrasies, sexual orientation, or physical condition. Our guiding principle is to accept everyone as a friend.
Yet, we are human and our sinful dispositions can cloud our actions. Even a man as spiritual and loving as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen had his moment of hesitancy and reluctance. This is why the words of Paul speak to all of us, “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” We must confess that the motives of our hearts are not always pure. Realizing this, we must embark on the challenge to become more Christ-like in our words and deeds.
Points to Ponder
> Are you repulsed by the condition of another person?
o For me: The questions that I pose for Points to Ponder are really questions that I am addressing to myself, and how could it be otherwise. Though, I hope, there is some universality to the questions that I pose. To answer this question, in reference to myself I am would not use the word “repulsed,” though I am saddened to say that I can feel queasy by a disfigured individual, which makes me reluctant to approach with exuberance. I know that this is wrong, and I am uncertain if I can overcome it.
> When have you felt like the 501st leper?
o For me: Whenever I don’t help someone who is in need of my assistance. This is especially true when I purposely hesitate long enough for someone else to render assistance.
> What is hidden in your heart?
o For me: I am sometimes reluctant to minister to an individual because of a number of factors, which can include his social standing, his culture, his disability.
> Reviewing your actions, are you able to change?
o For me: I would like to think so, though I am not certain that spiritual light can overcome some of the darkness in my soul.
Please share other Points to Ponder so I can update my list
Please share your thoughts with me – if you desire I will publish them for others to read anonymously or first name only or your entire name as you choose