Mary Magdalene, Seven Daily Demons, and Seven Antidotes

(Image via Pixabay)

Kindness! The English word here shares a root with the words “kin” and “kindred”. So as a virtue we should think less of random acts of kindness done in public, but the everyday friendliness we feel towards our own families (on a good day). The virtue calls us to turn this attitude toward all.  I think here of compassion, to see the other together with oneself, and empathy, the willingness to make space in our hearts for the hearts and lives and beliefs of those we meet. Of course, in Christian virtue we are called to learn to move our hearts in this way not only towards those of our family, friends and circle, but as much as possible towards all. Here we see that just like one deadly sin is likely to draw us into another, their replacement virtues also feed each other and grow best when they grow together. If we practice a humble recognition of others (without attachment to ourselves and our sense of place) and join this to generosity of spirit – allowing our time and resources to be available wherever and to whomever we have reason to give them- then we will probably learn to have kindness. If we don’t we are more likely to fall into. . .