Become one of a ‘kind’

by Father Mark Goldasich

I’m glad there’s a special day devoted to this but, honestly, it should be practiced every day. I’m talking about Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated on Feb. 17.

The idea came from writer and activist Anne Herbert in 1982 in Berkeley, California. Tired of seeing the phrase “random acts of violence” so often being reported, Herbert encouraged people to “practice random acts of kindness and acts of senseless beauty” instead. Her article, published in CoEvolution Quarterly, struck a chord and sparked a worldwide movement.

Of course, for people of faith, this idea of making love visible is nothing new. From the Golden Rule to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy — and especially in this Jubilee Year — we Catholics have been tasked by Jesus to continue to be his body of compassion and mercy in the world.

Kindness is powerful, contagious and transformative as the following story shows:

Tears glistened in the eyes of Salvation Army officer Shaw as he looked at the three men before him. Shaw was a medical missionary who had just arrived in India, where the Army was taking over a leper colony.

These men had manacles and fetters binding their hands and feet, cutting into their diseased flesh. Captain Shaw turned to the guard and said, “Please unfasten the chains.”

“It isn’t safe,” the guard replied. “These men are dangerous criminals as well as lepers.”

“I’ll be responsible. They’re suffering enough,” said Shaw, as he put out his hand and took the keys. He knelt, tenderly removed the shackles, and treated the men’s bleeding ankles and wrists.

About two weeks later, Shaw had his first misgivings about freeing these criminals. He had to make an overnight trip and dreaded leaving his wife and child alone. His wife insisted that she wasn’t afraid, because God was there. Reluctantly, Shaw went on the trip.

The morning after his departure, his wife went to the front door and was startled to see the three criminals lying on her steps.

One explained, “We know the doctor go. We stay here all night, so no harm comes to you.”

That’s how these dangerous men responded to an act of love. (Story adapted from “The Power of Love,” found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

The folks at the Random Act of Kindness Foundation® want to “make kindness the norm®.” I couldn’t agree more.

Our world is suffering from an epidemic of selfishness. Signs of this disease include intolerance, impatience, greediness, indifference, and nastiness in speech and writing. As the disease progresses, it leads to a fatal invincible ignorance and hardness of heart.

Of course, kindness is the antidote since it causes us to turn outward and notice — and respond to — the needs of others.

Let’s make Random Acts of Kindness Day the beginning of a transformation of our hearts and world. If you need some ideas to get you started, try some of these:

• Give others the benefit of the doubt.

• Write a thank-you note to a teacher, mentor, medical person or pastor.

• Pay an outstanding lunch debt of a student or two.

• Support locally owned businesses.

• Text someone a positive message.

• Surprise someone with a gift.

• Drop off a donation to a local food bank or charity.

• Laugh with someone till you cry.

• Support a person being bullied.

• Let someone know you’re praying for them.

• Compliment others shamelessly.

• Read to a child.

Let’s take to heart — on Feb. 17 and beyond — these words from the Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (13:16).

Ready? Set? Be kind!