Growing Seeds of Compassion: A Reflection on Healing and Hope

29 May

Issue #01 2026

Welcome to our first reflection for 2026!

It would be accurate to say we have had our fair share of traumatic and challenging events in Australia and around the world this past 12 months. The recent tragic events of Bondi are probably a stark reminder of the challenging times confronting us. At the same time following the Bondi Beach events we also caught glimpses of people at their very best. Caring people and thoughtful gestures all helped to bring the healing touch to a most traumatic time.

I was listening to an interview by our NSW Premier where he spoke of the need to seek out support if the events have highlighted our own fragility and need for self-care. It was a wise intervention by a politician and hopefully encourages many to seek the support they require.

Many of us carry deep hurts and wounds throughout our life. These often weigh us down and prevent us from being the people we are meant to be. I am not sure why we carry these burdens along with us but the reality is that many of us do. We are often slow to offer ourselves the compassion that we desperately need.

I find the writings of Joyce Rupp helpful in offering a way forward when our burdens seem overwhelming. Her book ‘Boundless Compassion’ offers many thoughtful reflections that encourage healing and self-care. She offers this insight;

“We are capable of changing what we think and how we respond. The more intentionally we concentrate on being nonjudgmental, nonviolent and forgiving, the stronger our possibility of being able to respond that way becomes. For instance, if I am having difficulty in trying to be less judgmental about someone, I can reduce that negativity by consciously intending to notice my thoughts about that person, and then choosing to alter them if they are not kind. As I do so repeatedly, the neurons in that area of my brain gain strength in their ability to be less judgmental. Awareness of my thoughts increases, and I am more conscious of where I let those thoughts lead me.
What we focus on, aspire to, and practice will make a difference to our brain & that is true for compassion training, too. In other words we can teach our minds to activate compassion, so that we do not react on impulse, or go about our lives unconsciously, missing opportunities to alleviate suffering – and create more suffering”.

You might like to sit with this prayer in the coming week;

“Gardener of my inner being, you enrich the soil of my heart with your bountiful love. I will do my part to grow seeds of compassion in that soil”.

May we nurture in our encounters a spirit of warmth and compassion, less judgment and criticism, prioritising our self-care and offering genuine support to those who cross our path.

Spiritual reading

Why not take up some spiritual reading in the year ahead. The following books are well worth a read! They are available at the Marist House of Light gift store. Feel free to make contact with us if you would like to make a purchase. Email me at maristhouseoflight@gmail.com

Boundless Compassion: Joyce Rupp

You will discover compassion from science, medicine, theology, spirituality, sociology, and psychology. You will be encouraged to explore personal and professional expressions of compassion, and to re-energize your ability to offer loving kindness to those around you.

A simple prayer

Dear God open my heart
Just a little prayer from the heart.
as you open Your heart to me
so I move forward in trust
get on with living each day
and carry Your Light and Love
in my heart. – Noel Davis

Private Retreats

The ‘Marist House of Light’ offers a variety of Retreat experiences including those tailored to individual needs. Day, weekend and extended retreat times are available. Spiritual Direction is available for all ‘Marist House of Light’ guests.

How to book!

Ring us on 0438689137 or email us at maristhouseoflight@gmail.com

With best wishes,
Br Bill Sullivan

The Silent Book Club

A book club with a difference. Why not join us to explore a spiritual book once a month? We gather for a cuppa and take some time to read our selected book. We will finish the time with some sharing.

We meet at the Marist House of Light, 8 Keen Street Lismore, on the last Friday of each month 10am – midday.