{Simeon said to Mary}, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” – Lk 2:35
only when we walk a mile
in someone else’s shoes
only when we can identify
with their condition
only when we are pierced
by the same sword
only when we can feel as our own
the pain of their suffering
only then can we understand
the thoughts of their hearts
compassion: shared suffering; from Latin com + passio meaning suffers with
Longing For Water 