Scheduling Compassion?

We haven't left town yet, but I saw the sign in this picture today and just have to comment on it.  It is proudly displayed on the lawn of a mainline church not far from my home.  I am certain that the event is being planned by well-meaning people who think they understand Jesus' command to serve others.  And I am certain that those who participate believe that they will be doing just what Jesus commanded.

But seriously?  "Compassion Weekend". Really? We can schedule compassion for a particular weekend or day? Our readings from Matthew this summer share the common theme of the disciples wanting to send the people away because of their own needs for rest or time with Jesus for themselves. And every time Jesus calls the people to him, blesses them, heals them, gives them what they need. We can be no different.

And what about the tagline? "No Worship Sunday -- Out Serving". There can be no Christ-centered service in the absence of worship. All that we do as Christians must be grounded in prayer and worship. The Body of Christ must come together for formation, discernment, and action, always keeping God at the very center of our activity.  We go out from worship to serve; we don't replace one with the other.

Our Street Church and other ministries are often the recipients of these efforts to engage middle-class, privileged church-folk in ministry among the poor.  We appreciate the extra hands and, at times, build lasting relationships.  I do not object to "project compassion" if participants understand fully that they are the ones beings served more than the poor.  They are learning something about the realities of poverty and meeting people they might not meet otherwise.  It's a good beginning point, but it not enough.  What they are not doing is affecting any long-term change in people's lives.  That takes long-term commitment.  It demands political advocacy that will bring about changes in economic and social systems.  Real change, real compassion, cannot be a once-in-a-while event planned on a schedule that is convenient to those who are reaching out.  Poverty, hunger, homelessness, and despair know no schedule.

I will be praying on Sunday that the people participating in "Compassion Weekend" will have their hearts and eyes opened to the reality of suffering in our midst and that they will make compassion a way of life rather than one more scheduled event.  And I will pray that I, that all of us, remember the same thing.

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