Faith Formation: Kindness - Love in Action

 

Today’s message focuses on a different type of human response with respect to the peril caused worldwide by COVID-19.  In recent weeks and reflections, messages have been completely about highlighting a Catholic response through prayer through scripture and intercessions.  The inspiration for this message will focus on human response through random acts of kindness during the Coronavirus pandemic outbreak.  In dark times like these, it’s worthwhile to focus on something which is also contagious but in a different way . . . the spirit of kindness and compassion for it is truly love in action.

The Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has taken a lot of us by surprise. Some people have described it as a horror movie that they want to turn off, while others have said that they feel like the entire world is upside down.  We have all read the news stories, studied the statistics and have seen the news footage noting the impact and the variety of peril that has been caused worldwide.

In the midst of even this darkness, one thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. People are coming together to sing on balconies in Italy, others are setting up groups to offer support to the elderly or vulnerable - like collecting groceries or calling them for a chat. We have seen the self-less work of brave first-responders in areas all over the world assisting those suffering and afflicted. We have heard stories of people having virtual movie nights and creating choreographed dances over video chat to share with the world. Yes… our current reality has changed but so has our individual or collective response.  Regardless, kind actions are wonderful illustrations of individuals doing “God’s work” benefitting the less fortunate regardless of ethnicity, age, gender or creed.  The work of all individuals calls to mind the scripture passage (Matthew 25: 34-46) “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers”. 

In the spirit of kindness, I thought I would also feature a wonderful site which is timely (see below: https://www.karunavirus.org/ ).  Although its name is very similar and may invoke an uneasy feeling, Karuna is a Sanskrit word for compassion.

This site features stories of everyday heroism especially during the recent pandemic. A video on Karunavirus.org that has gotten a lot of attention over this past week featuring John Krasinski who showcased SGN (“Some Good News”) highlighting amazing acts of human kindness throughout the world.    It can be accessed at https://www.karunavirus.org/story/259/john-krasinski-creates-youtube-series-some-good-news-with-first-guest-steve-carell

Karunavirus.org is a recent online offshoot of another kindness website which is more familiar (see below: http://www.kindspring.org/ ) that contains lots of feel good 'Chicken Soup' type stories about RAK (“Random Acts of Kindness”) and more. You can even order some "Smile Cards" (promoting a “pay it forward mentality”) when you visit the site and subscribe to a newsletter.  See attached for a template to print your own Smile Cards”. Another site is https://www.passiton.com/ from The Foundation for a Better Life.  This site too also has many free resources including DVDs, downloads and posters.

       

 

  

We are blessed to be a part of a faith-filled school community, district and diocese whose individuals collectively look out to generously serve others in many different capacities. Though our acts of kindness may seem insignificant and pale in comparison to the individuals featured today, please know that any simple act of mercy or compassion towards one person can change another life in ways not realized. Please know that you make a difference! This calls to mind the following thoughts and images on kindness:

    

Let us turn to prayer and speak with God in our hearts as we recite and reflect on the words in a “Prayer of Empathy”

In closing, while in the grips of the worldwide pandemic, let us remember kindness and compassion as we turn to a song of hope from country music icon Garth Brooks with his “help others” tribute … “We Shall Be Free”. This stirring anthem with its lyrics combined with poignant images from around our planet encourages, inspires and challenges each one of us to get involved with people’s needs both close to home and around the world. This video with its message to “Do Your Part” is a personal appeal to make a difference in our communities at a time of great need, which is also a time of opportunity. The clip of this version can be found at https://www.passiton.com/ from The Foundation for a Better Life. Click on the link: https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/110-we-shall-be-free   

Blessings & peace

PS