Day 3 Virtue Demonstration: COMPASSION
You’ll need:
- Two cookies and two licorice (or candy)
- 2 small plastic sandwich bags
Prep:
- Insert a cookie and a licorice into each “treat” bag.
Ask:
I’m going to show you a demonstration about compassion. But first, I have a few questions for you…
Does anyone know what the word “compassion” means? (caring deeply for those who suffer, a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.)
I need four volunteers. (Pick a boy and a girl to come to the front and have them stand on your left side. Pick another boy and girl to stand on your right side.)
“I’m going to give the 2 of you on my left, each a “treat” bag containing a big cookie and a licorice. (give out the two “treat” bags)
Oops... I only have two “treat” bags. For the two of you on my right, I’m not able to give you anything. *moment of silence as the injustice settles on everyone.
Ask the audience: How do you feel about these two not getting any treats? (It’s not fair, I feel sad for them...etc.)
(Ask the first two volunteers on your left)
How do you feel about these two not getting any treats? (I feel sad for them. it makes me want to share my candy with them, etc.)
Explain:
What you’re feeling towards these two who didn’t get any treats is compassion, because you’re concerned and you’re caring for them. You feel like you want to do something to help them. Compassion is caring about other people’s sadness and suffering and trying your best to help them out with your prayers and/or actions.
Ask the audience: What can we do to show compassion towards our 2 volunteers on the right? (encourage them with words by telling them,
“It’ll be okay”, perhaps some of us have something we can share with them; we can suggest that the other 2 volunteers share half of their cookies and licorice)
(Ask the two volunteers on the left)
What can you do to show compassion towards these 2 on my right? (share the cookies and licorice)
We all have the chance to be compassionate; to be mindful of the needs of others and share with those in need. We need to show compassion, especially where there is injustice. You can have that same compassion for others as you had here for the kids who didn’t receive the cookies or licorice.
Some examples of being compassionate could be:
- You can reach out to any kid who’s being picked on in school and invite him or her to play a game or just have a chat.
- If you see someone on crutches, you could offer to help carry his books or bags or open the door for him.
- You can visit the lonely people in care homes or the sick people in hospitals with a parent or grandparent.
- If you know someone in your school who has special needs or is in a wheel chair, you could ask him if you can spend time together and if there’s anything you can do to help out.
- If you hear news that an older person in your parish died, you could make their family a sympathy card and bake them cookies or cupcakes.
There are many opportunities throughout our day when we can show compassion towards other people. We just need to reach out with our hearts and always be ready to ask, “What can I do to help you?”
Let’s pray… Lord Jesus, please help us to care about others who are suffering and always be ready to be there for them. Amen.
