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October 2007 Issue
The last word - Kindness beyong the
norm
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Many
people have often associated religion with a fierce
and angry God. They prefer to run from such a God, as
they well know that they probably have a few things
on their conscience that such a God would definitely
not condone. They may equally avoid any representatives
or associates of the angry God. These have the
reputation of firing off thunderbolts of condemnation.
Best to keep other company and worry about the consequences
later. Jesus surprised many of his contemporaries by
his kindness and gentleness, even as he presented himself
as one with God, so united with God that he called him
"Father." The God Jesus embodied was to be completely
accessible, not fearsome and remote. That didn't mean
that you could do whatever you pleased or get away with
whatever you wanted. |
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Jesus presented the highest of standards for
human behavior, while at the same time demonstrating the greatest
spirit of welcome and forgiveness. Another striking feature
of Jesus' kindness and gentleness was that it was universal.
He did not limit his warmth and favor to just a few or to
a particular social class. In his culture and time it was
expected that you gave special attention and consideration
to the members of your extended family and tribe and then
to your co-religionists and people of your own country. In
fact, the derivation of the words "kindness" and "gentleness"
carry the expectation that these are the special attitudes
you carry to your own kind, your "kith and kin," or toward
your own "gentry."
You wouldn't be expected to carry all this
consideration and civility to "outsiders." Jesus said that
was all well and good ... but didn't even pagans do that?
He held out for a higher way. Show kindness, forgiveness and,
yes, even love to those beyond your own, beyond your family,
beyond even your friendship. Love your very enemies. This
is the way of building God's kingdom and of living in God's
kingdom. It takes a fiercely strong spirit to live out such
kindness. Such is the spirit of the "gentle" Jesus and the
spirit he bequeaths to those who love him.
Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona is recently retired.
He is the author of Where the Star Came to Rest, a history
of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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