I read this in “The Practice of the Love of Jesus” by Alphonsus de Liguori: “Kindness should be shown to the poor especially, since they are often treated harshly simply because they are poor. It should be shown in a particular way to the sick, who often meet with little understanding from others. Most of all, it should be shown to our enemies.”

When I was in college I wore a button that said, “Try a little kindness.” After I was ordained I rarely talked about kindness because it seemed too wishy-washy. It made it sound like Christianity was merely about being nice to people when the demands of divine love called for something much stronger. I’ve reconsidered my attitude. We could use some kindness.

I always knew life was tough. Memories of bullies haunt me. However, something has gotten worse in the last 20 years. When I was in school, the teachers were on high alert for kids smoking cigarettes. Today they need police help to keep guns out of schools.

People seem meaner.  Hostility has increased. Violence is often the first response to disagreement. Just watch when two people grab for the last roll of toilet paper.  Kindness has almost vanished.

How does Alphonsus’s message play today? Be kind to the poor. Maybe, if they deserve it. Be kind to the sick. OK, as long as they don’t have Covid-19. Be kind to enemies. Never! That’s treason.

How can we ever obey Jesus’ command to love one another if we can’t even be kind to people?

Read Zechariah 7:9-10 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne