In celebration of Valentine’s Day, try
this six-session study of “Compassion”

The Rev. Marian Taylor of the Kentucky Council of Churches shares this message as Valentine’s Day apaproaches, reminding us that compassion is the true spirit of the day:

A new six-session study of Compassion is available here.

Each one-hour session allows for time to discuss a section of the book Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life, by Henri Nouwen with Donald McNeill and Douglas Morrison. There is a facilitator’s guide, a brief worship resource and sometimes a hand-out provided for each session.

This study resource was developed in a retreat setting by Kentucky Christians of various denominations. They were convened by the Peace and Justice Division of the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky.

For all who work for justice, this study is an especially great blessing. Nouwen et. al. grounded compassionate activism for justice in the soil of God’s grace, humility and gratitude.

“St Valentine” may be a composite of a number of men and women who lived lives marked by compassion and who were martyred. Equating the name with romantic love one day a year, we lose an opportunity to turn our lives more toward compassionate action. The ecumenical community in Kentucky is indebted to the authors of this new study.