MEISTER ECKHART (c. 1260-1327), wrote Brother David Steindl-Rast OSB, offers us passages that glow with compassion. Here is one:

Do you think you do not have God simply because you have no devotion? If you suffer from this, then just this will be your devotion.

“Great wisdom”, continues Brother David, “of a shepherd of souls is contained in these lines. And that is what Meister Eckhart was, for most of his life, a guide of souls. This saintly teacher who spoke so eloquently of “the laughter of God” did not live in an ivory tower. Day by day he was labouring to heal the suffering of his time and the suffering of the souls entrusted to him.”

Meister Eckhart. Brother David Steindl-Rast, too. Still gently guiding my soul. Thanks be to God.