March 10
Tenderness
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious."
— Psalm 103:8
God of tenderness,
The world is sometimes so hard, so brutal. Strength, performance, toughness are valued. But You show me another way: that of tenderness.
Teach me tenderness. That gentle strength which comforts, which soothes, which calms. Tenderness toward those who suffer, who are fragile, who are wounded. Tenderness also toward myself.
May I have tender gestures, gentle words, a caring gaze. May my presence be like a balm on wounds, like a refuge for bruised hearts. Make me tender as You are tender.
Amen.
The world is sometimes so hard, so brutal. Strength, performance, toughness are valued. But You show me another way: that of tenderness.
Teach me tenderness. That gentle strength which comforts, which soothes, which calms. Tenderness toward those who suffer, who are fragile, who are wounded. Tenderness also toward myself.
May I have tender gestures, gentle words, a caring gaze. May my presence be like a balm on wounds, like a refuge for bruised hearts. Make me tender as You are tender.
Amen.
Reflection
Toward whom could you show tenderness today? A gentle word, a delicate attention, a comforting presence?
For those who lack tenderness and for those who need to receive it.