February 19

            This is a true story about two friends named Jack and Charlie.

            Charlie was old. And he was also blind. One could easily say Charlie already had two strikes against him. No one around him was sure what would ever become of Charlie.

            Then one day, Jack appeared. From the moment Jack met Charlie, it was instant friendship. At that first meeting, Jack became Charlie’s eyes. Jack would always guide Charlie around, making sure that nothing happened to his friend. They would go to the local eating establishment, and Charlie would eat to his heart’s content. When he was done, Jack would lead Charlie home, step by step.

            This continued for sixteen years, never once faltering, Jack leading Charlie everywhere.

            They were inseparable.

            Until the day the inevitable happened. Charlie eventually had his last day in the sun, and he died peacefully. Jack has gone slowly downhill since his old friend died, but he lives with the knowledge that one day, perhaps soon, he will see Charlie again, and they will be as inseparable as ever.

           

            A touching story, I think you will agree. But I left out one important detail of this story: Jack and Charlie are not humans. They’re not even man and dog. No, Charlie was an old, blind horse, and Jack was, literally, an old goat.

            People still don’t know how and why this friendship started. It’s rare, although not unheard of, for animals of different species to form close bonds of friendship (not counting humans and their pets). But this is one is extremely unusual, because it seemed as though Jack really didn’t get anything out of it. For sixteen years, he was Charlie’s eyes, and not once did he ever waver in his duty. He helped out his friend, even when there was no reward for himself.

            That is a textbook definition of compassion. And if the “lower animals” can form such bonds, how much more can we, as humans, be capable of?

            In John 13:34, Jesus clearly says: “A new commandment I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, you must also love one another.” If we must live our lives by only one statement, that’s a good place to start.

Lord Jesus, we confess that we have not loved You or our neighbors wholeheartedly. Guide us, Lord, and show us ways in which we can show the love You have commanded us to give to one another. In Your Name we pray, Amen.