SCIC Triduum Day 1: Choosing Kindness
On the 19th of September, we celebrated the first day of Triduum with the theme of kindness for the Feasts of Saints Chastan and Imbert. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Nelson Joseph, who shared a simple yet impactful sermon regarding the theme celebrated on the first day.
The act of kindness is one of the most important values that Jesus has taught us to practise and share with others in our daily lives. We are often tested in situations to act with kindness or to give in to other immoral acts. Rev. Fr. Nelson shared in his sermon about the gospel reading from Luke 7:36-50, which tells us the story of Jesus being invited by Simon, a Pharisee, to have a meal. While having the meal, a sinful woman who had come to know that Jesus was at Simon’s house came to see Him. Father emphasises in his sermon the differences in how Jesus was treated by Simon and the woman. The woman, who met Jesus for the first time, showed kindness by bringing an “alabaster flask of ointment, kissing His feet and anointing them with ointment,” while Simon was neither hospitable nor treated Jesus with kindness as the host. Despite the woman being sinful and Simon’s lack of kindness, Jesus still chose to forgive and accept them as they were because He loves us all unconditionally.
From this scripture, Father mentions that nowadays, we often judge what is good for us without including others or even God in our lives. We neglect the importance of practising kindness with one another. A simple act of kindness can begin in our homes amongst our family members and/or in our parish community by participating and involving ourselves in ministries and roles during Mass celebrations or other church activities. He also reminds us of Jesus’ death on the cross, which ultimately signifies His love and kindness for all of us sinners. To conclude, Father Nelson encourages us to ponder on some questions, such as, “Do we experience Jesus’ kindness more or less?” and “Based on the gospel, who are we more like, Simon or the sinful woman?”
As we reflect on these questions, we should also learn to include God’s guidance in our lives to spread kindness to those around us. And as children of God, our mission is what God calls us to do, and with the theme of kindness, God is calling us to always choose love and kindness above all.
