Psalm Reflection: The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.” - Psalm 85

“Be kind” — it is a phrase we throw around haphazardly, teach our children, and hang on classroom walls. Do we really believe it?

Perhaps we think kindness is the same as “being nice,” but being nice can often prevent us from telling others what they need to hear, and can prevent us from ever acting in a way that makes waves. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, we will make waves when we are doing things right. So, the desire to be nice can actually be an obstacle to what we are called to do. Kindness, on the other hand, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chrēstotēs — which can also mean “good” or “useful.” Kindness involves action, an act of goodness to be used by God to show His love to another.

It makes sense why the Psalmist this week links kindness and salvation. Through intentional acts of kindness, others can come to know the love of God and all He has done for us. This is not an excuse to refrain from sharing the Gospel verbally, but a gut-check to make sure our actions live up to our words, especially the words of the Gospel.

When we read the Old Testament, we read about a people for whom kindness was a rarity. The Jewish people were oppressed, cast aside, enslaved, belittled and constantly overwhelmed and overtaken by surrounding nations. They struggled with loyalty, obedience, faithfulness and idolatry. They were often crying out for God to save, redeem and restore them.

We still have the same struggles. We battle with the selfishness of the world and the enslavement to sin. We struggle to remain loyal to God and to obey His commands. We need continuous reminders that we are loved by God, because when we listen to the world we can often be overwhelmed by sounds and actions that say the opposite.

Everyone is searching, lost in a sea of sin seeking rescue and redemption. We cannot save them, only Jesus can. However, sometimes the most profound and meaningful way we can introduce others to Him is through a simple gesture of kindness: a smile, a meaningful word, acknowledging another person’s existence, pausing to be present, or being aware of those around you and how you can brighten their day. These simple acts can be life changing, especially when people are really struggling and so used to receiving the opposite.

So, go do some acts of kindness this week. Try every day to do at least one intentional act of kindness, with no expectation of reciprocation or a “thank you.” Whether you realize it or not, you are opening the door for people to encounter the love God has for them, and, ultimately, salvation through Jesus Christ. There is no greater act of kindness than that.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt