James C. Bryant, 32°, K.C.C.H.
1470 Leafmore Place, Decatur, Georgia 30033-2023
Compassion, in action, would transform our
nation and the world.
As early as 520 B.C., the Old Testament prophet Zechariah criticized
people who observe religious formalities and prescribed rituals
but are not truly religious because they fail to exercise compassion.
In a telling verse (7:9), Zechariah writes, "Execute true
judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother."
Have we changed much in the millennia since Zechariah? One
could argue that the majority of people today still formally
observe their faith tradition, but do not live in its true spirit
of love and compassion. Witness the recent terrorist attacks
on America and the ongoing crises of the Middle East. The English
word compassion is derived from Latin and means "with suffering."
Yet few today truly feel the suffering of others, help share
their burdens, and love each other as brothers.
Compassion leads us out of our shell of self-complacency and
into the harsh reality of everyday life to stand beside another
person who hurts. It makes us vulnerable by forcing us out of
our comfortable worship centers, where most religion seems confined,
and into the real world where we can offer a cup of water to
those who thirst, bind up the wounds of the injured, bring love
and kindness in a hostile environment, and reflect the grace
of God to everyone we encounter.
Compassion, as the Bible consistently teaches, is at the heart
of true religion. Thankfully, however, there are many people
who still care, who do have compassion, and who often volunteer
their time, energy, and resources to help others. We, as Freemasons,
can say with appropriate pride that Freemasonry's ranks are
filled with such persons. Masonry's tenets of Brotherly Love,
Relief, and Truth urge us to care and to express the divine
within us through compassion for all humankind. This genuine
compassion requires us to do more than merely feel another's
pain; it requires our assistance, our helping those in need.
Compassion can be best taught by example. And if compassion
became the norm in our new 21st century, today's rampant violence,
so often based on prejudice and aimed toward those who differ
from us, would become a phenomenon of the past. Compassion,
in action, would transform our nation and the world. Together,
we can "shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother"
and make Masonry a key catalyst in that epic transformation.
Dr. James C. Bryant
is currently Special Assistant
to the President and University Historian at Mercer University
in Macon, Georgia. The author of several books and articles,
he is a frequent speaker, lecturer, and traveler.
