What a beautiful reading we are given for the First Reading today! We hear: "Although you (God) are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us, for you have power to act whenever you choose. Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins." (Wis 12: 18-19) Thus, if we wish to be righteous we must be kind. Indeed, if we wish to be loving we must be kind: "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful..." (1 Cor 13: 4). If we bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, likewise, kindness is required: "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Gal 5: 22) Let this reading help us in our familial and work relationships so that we act with forbearance and kindness. Many people come to confession with anger as an issue or sin against which they struggle. Sometimes this is derived from weakness and resentment with the remembrance of past hurts. May our faith help us to imitate God and act with kindness towards those who are close to us: "Be merciful, as your Father is merciful" (Lk 6: 36) and "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mtt 5: 48)
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