Compassion + Inter-faith + Walking...

Compassion and inter-faith discussion have been predominantly present for me this week.
The terror attacks in Paris and Beirut were truly shocking. Our ideal peacefulness was shattered again by the cowardly attacks at the bloodied hands of ISIS. They hide behind cameras and face coverings, falsely claiming to be Islamic. True Islam teaches peace and non-violence, as do all major religions.
This video by Australian TV presenter (Waleed Aly via The Project) sums up my thoughts fairly well.
Let non-violent love lead you - not fear --> ISIS is Weak: What ISIS doesn’t want you to hear!

I’ll often listen to podcasts when running or walking every morning. One excellent source is HUFFPOST RELIGION + you can also find it HERE free on iTunes. This podcast focuses on interfaith talks, looking at God and Religion from all viewpoints.

I have a great love and respect for all religions especially Buddhism. One podcast focused on the Dalai Lama and his emphasis on Compassion. Its such a simple thought from a very special man. It’s something has has changed my thought process in a profound way. It’s well worth a compassionate listen:
--> BECOMING THE DALAI LAMA : Celebrating an 80 Year journey of Compassion

--> WHAT IS KARMA? (You may also enjoy this ear-opening one regarding Karma).

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After finishing up finding the Treasure last week I wrote a multi page Synthesis.
In short; The core of religious life is to live as prophetically liminal.

“The religious stands at the threshold between God and the people” (pg 331).

Our good God is most certainly a God of surprises. If we really trust our relationship with God, trust our listening hearts then we must be open to change. Living on the margins solely for God requires a brand of prophetic courage, deep trust, the ability to go and liminally float with joy to where this agent for God is needed next.
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I’ve also been reading several articles on religious life and Laudato Si this week, and am about to start a new book by Sr Joan Chittister…

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Visiting Villawood Immigration Detention centre this week was interesting. It was great to see the men and to give them a hug and support. I always go with an open compassionate heart, not to gain or get anything, but just to go and to listen. To remind the men they are loved and to keep going one day at a time.
I met a woman there who was also visiting, she gave very serve self serving reasons for going. This was surprising to me. So, all I said to her is that "I'm here to only listen. Its not my job to judge - that's up to God." She seemed shocked but pleasantly surprised. I hope she takes that on board - it's not my place to judge...
Unfortunately too one man i normally see was not there, he’s apparently struggling after an ‘incident’ last week. I’ll keep praying for him and will go back again next week… it’s one day at a time on both sides of the detention fence.

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I managed to find some free wood off-cuts when out walking. I asked the nice man if they were rubbish and in his broken French-English, he said "yes yes, rubbish, you take!".
The wood is perfect for drawing on and an easy way to up-cycle something that would just be thrown away.

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Summer has certainly arrived in Sydney this week too, 34c on Wednesday and 39c today. I used to love the snow, and now I like the heat... you just adjust your day and dress appropriately - always positives to be found. Some sunny Sydney pics from my running // walking adventures are below.

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Key things I have learned this week: Let your first thought be Compassion.
I was also reminded again; God is Love --> Love is in all true religions (not fear) + Leave judging others to God.