The seventh and final virtue for us to consider is “kindness.”
From Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians we hear: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Kindness therefore is a virtue which is able to lift the spirits and touch the heart of those whom we encounter within this life. As was said by Saint Josemaria Escriva: “It’s not enough to be good; you need to show it. What would you say of a rose bush which produced only thorns?”
Saint Veronica should serve as a model of kindness. As we know from tradition as well as from the sixth station of the cross that Veronica was moved with compassion and in an act of kindness wiped the face of Jesus. This small action of kindness only lasted a few seconds, but from it we have the Shroud of Torin which continues to inspire many to this day. From a small act of kindness we too can reach out and touch the life of another in such a profound way.
Saint Josemaria reminds: “It is true that life, which by its nature is already rather narrow and uncertain, sometimes becomes difficult. -But that will help you become more supernatural and to see the hand of God. Then you will be more human and understanding with those around you.”
Kindness, therefore, is a genuine concern for the needs of others. So often we turn inwardly upon ourself and expect everything to be about us. With this attitude it is so easy to forget about others and what they may be in need of no matter how small these needs may be. An act of kindness does not leave behind the pain caused by thorns, but instead becomes equal to the rose bush in all of its beauty and splendor. The more human and understanding that we are to become the more we will be able to intact kindness with those whom we encounter.
During this time let us reflect upon the ways that we have failed to be kind and to respond to the needs of others. During this Lenten season how can we come to more effectively foster the virtue of kindness within our life?
Kindness is not speaking unfriendly of anyone, it is not thinking unfriendly of anyone, and it isn’t acting unkindly towards anyone. Kindness is speaking kindly of others, thinking kindly of others, and doing act of kindness to others. Let us grow in this virtue and be sent forth to practice the virtue of kindness always.
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.