BEFORE I learned to drive, I used to relax, look and observe people through the side windows of the passenger’s seat.
On our way to Cavite, my hometown, I can’t help but look at the situation of street dwellers.
As a passenger, I have ample time to wonder how they can manage their day-to-day living in a mere 1 by 2 meters dwelling place they called home.
Others just sleep on used cartons or sacks.
This feeling sometimes leads me to share food or money if I see it appropriate. Things have become different when I learned to drive. My hands are on the wheels and my mind on the road most of the time. I get irritated by traffic jams.
I still see the same situation of people in the streets, but my response is somewhat different, I must confess.
According to Dr.Allan Schwartz, a doctor of social work, we can respond to others’ crises by being 1) apathetic- the tendency to ignore the needs of other people, no feeling nor action; 2) by being sympathetic- there is the feeling of pity and sorry for the needy; 3) by being empathetic- being open to understand and imagine self in others predicament situation, and 4) by being compassionate -feeling the need of others that leads to mindful action for help.
At first glance, being sympathetic is nicer than being apathetic; however, if you look closely at this response, it may lead to a feeling of superiority, if one is unguarded, according to Dr. Scwartz.
Imagine that one of your neighbor’s family got Covid because one member must sacrifice to earn for living. For sure you feel sorry for them. But if pity ends up with comparing your healthy condition with pride because your family can manage to stay and work from home you end up
with feelings of superiority.
Looking at others’ dilemma with pity and unfair comparison can lead to sympathy with superiority.
Jesus of the Bible left as an example to follow in responding to needs.
“One day after an exhausting healing tour, Jesus chose to travel on a boat. People still followed him, probably out of desperation. This could be sick, hungry, confused, homeless people, or just people who badly need a little hope in his teaching. Upon seeing people following him from towns, he left the boat and went near them, and began to heal again. He even miraculously fed them using five loaves of bread and two fish. Surely Jesus empathized with their needs and helped with compassion” (The Bible, Matthew 14:13-21).
The empathy that leads to compassion is positive and powerful, as Dr. Swartz implied. It sees and hears the cries of people in pain. It is open to listening and does not use other’s vulnerability for one’s utility. It doesn’t end in feeling sorry for others but tries to understand their sufferings. It tries to place itself in their situation.
You can empathize when you feel the need to act, even momentarily, to provide comfort for those who need it most. Responding with a compassionate heart is God’s way of meeting people’s needs in this global crisis. This can happen through people who resonate with God’s compassionate heart in their lives.
Extending simple acts of kindness like sharing our food and resources, giving our time for service, taking time to listen and comfort others who lost their loved ones, maybe simple for you but could mean the world to others.
As we continue to battle against the remaining pangs of the pandemic, let’s not forget to empathize with the less fortunate. Remember, you are already fighting the hidden enemy by your visible act of compassion.
