First reading Proverbs 3:27-34
The Lord blesses the home of the virtuous
My son, do not refuse a kindness to anyone who begs it,
if it is in your power to perform it.
Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go away! Come another time!
I will give it you tomorrow’, if you can do it now.
Do not plot harm against your neighbour
as he lives unsuspecting next door.
Do not pick a groundless quarrel with a man
who has done you no harm.
Do not emulate the man of violence,
never model your conduct on his;
for the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to the Lord,
who confides only in honest men.
The Lord’s curse lies on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the virtuous.
He mocks those who mock,
but accords his favour to the humble.
Responsorial Psalm 14(15):2-5
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Lord, who shall dwell on Your holy mountain?
he who walks without fault;
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart;
he who does not slander with his tongue.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
He who does no wrong to his brother,
who casts no slur on his neighbour,
who holds the godless in disdain,
but honours those who fear the Lord.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
He who keeps his pledge, come what may;
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a man will stand firm for ever.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Gospel Luke 8:16-18
Anyone who has will be given more
Jesus said to the crowds:
‘No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed. No, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in. For nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be known and brought to light. So take care how you hear; for anyone who has will be given more; from anyone who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.’
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Kindness is never wasted
“…do not refuse a kindness to anyone who begs it, if it is in your power to perform it. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go away! Come another time! I will give it tomorrow’ if you can do it now…” (1st reading). We are called to offer kindness to everyone and treat everyone equally, regardless of their importance. Kindness is caring for others and can be expressed in many ways, such as helping a family member with a simple chore, buying a packet of tissue paper from a beggar, being respectful to a stranger, etc. No acts of kindness will go to waste, no matter how small.
Our acts of kindness, whether big or small, are ways in which we can be like lighted lamps, shining brightly to point the way for others to see God in our lives. Today, may we choose to be kind and be a blessing to those around us.
Reflective question:
To whom can I show kindness today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
