Heroism in Kindness

Many of my favorite television shows returned this week with new episodes, new characters, and of course, new commercials. We are generally a streaming family, but enjoy watching “live” television this time of year. Aside: just twenty years ago, the “live television” concept would have been redundant—but I digress.

Within moments, I had a lump in my throat. It wasn’t because of a heartwarming reunion, a rebound from a tragic circumstance, or a coming-of-age breakthrough with a grand orchestral swell. The people on the screen moved me by making small gestures of kindness: picking up after each other, giving up a seat on the bus, and sharing an ice cream. It infused me with the hope that we can still make a difference in each other’s lives, and it doesn’t require much effort.

We are not free from struggle. The person sitting beside you can lift a little bit of that burden: with their smile, with their voice, and by offering their ear. If you are at St. Monica, you believe that all are welcome. That means the person sitting beside you is not a stranger. You may not know their name (easily fixed, just saying), but they are a reflection of you and you of them. The gifts and grace of God allow us to reach across the aisle of our church and join hands to pray the Lord’s prayer.

Yes, some popular shows don’t strive to reinforce wholesome values—poor Jon Snow. However, even if you think they’re cheesy, some highly-rated shows are committed to telling the stories of the goodness of humanity in daily life. Each morning, I hope we make that same commitment: living the goodness of our humanity.

Next week, we’ll welcome several parishioners at each of the Masses to share their experience of encountering goodness here at St. Monica. And perhaps, their stories might give you a little lump in your throat, too.