Kindness Among Catholics: Living What We Profess

+JMJ+

There are moments in life when we encounter others in need—whether through a struggle, an unfortunate misstep, or a hidden challenge—and yet, all too often, we pass by without offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Sadly, this indifference is more common than we may like to admit. As Catholics, we profess the love of Christ, but how often do we fail to reflect that love in our actions?

We declare that we follow Jesus, but how often do we look down on others or judge them harshly? We forget that we do not know the burdens others carry, the personal battles they’re fighting, or the silent struggles they’ve overcome just to be present at Mass. Perhaps someone who seems out of place or different is dealing with hardships that are invisible to us. As Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). Rather than passing judgment, we are called to show love and mercy, reflecting the same grace that God extends to us.

The Church is meant to be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Every person who walks through the doors is in need of God’s grace. Whether it’s a child crying, someone struggling to sing on key, or someone dressed simply or casually—these are not reasons to criticize but opportunities to be grateful for their presence. Small irritations and differences in others are invitations to grow in patience, charity, and humility. As St. Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). True discipleship means lifting each other up in love, not tearing each other down.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) offers a powerful reminder to show compassion rather than rash judgment. The Samaritan did not stop to analyze the man lying by the roadside; he simply acted out of love. Similarly, we are called to be merciful and compassionate, especially within our families and faith communities.

As we enter the season of Advent—a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of our Savior—let us reflect deeply on how we can live out Christ’s love more fully. Advent is not just a time to open a little window and eat a chocolate everyday (or all the chocolates at once). This season is about preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus and about preparing our hearts to recognize His presence in the world through our actions. Before we pass judgment or turn away from someone who is struggling or seems different from us, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Are we truly living the love of Christ? Are we focusing on others’ shortcomings, or are we seeking our own spiritual growth? Are we sharing the Truth with love and humility, or from a place of pride?

This Advent, let us commit to showing kindness in small, everyday ways. Let’s not merely sit in the pews on Sunday—let us bring the light of Christ into the world beyond the church walls. As St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them.” Whether it’s smiling at a parent struggling to contain a child, helping someone who has fallen, holding a door open for another, welcoming a stranger to Mass, being kind to someone who has been unkind to us, or thanking a priest for all his hard work, there are countless opportunities to practice love every day.

We are all called to holiness and sainthood. This is not a distant ideal. Rather, it is a present reality in our daily lives. Holiness is found in the small, ordinary acts of love, compassion, and mercy that reflect Christ’s presence in the world. We are called to mirror His love even in the quiet moments of everyday life. Every act of kindness, every decision to help bear one another’s burdens, is a step closer to the holiness to which we are all called. As we live out Christ’s love, we are becoming more like the saints who responded to God’s grace with love and service.

Let’s listen, help, and pray for one another. As Christ Himself said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Let kindness and love be the hallmark of our faith—not just in words, but in deeds. To quote St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service. By transforming that faith into living acts of love, we put ourselves in contact with God Himself, with Jesus our Lord.”

This Advent, as we prepare for the birth of Christ, let us renew our commitment to living the love we profess. May our hearts and actions reflect the mercy, compassion, and kindness Christ has shown us.