World Kindness Day was on Wednesday 13th November. At Magdalene, we do not just expect kindness from our students, we teach them. We teach our students to be concerned about the welfare of others; their peers, staff, family, local community and global community. We offer opportunities for students to help those who live in poverty especially through charitable works.

Kindness (or “kind” or “kindly”) appears dozens of times in Scripture. What does Scripture teach us about kindness? St Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians that kindness is related to love, the greatest of God’s gifts and what it looks like in our everyday lives. How do we measure up to St Paul’s description of love?

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

St Vincent de Paul was known for his charitable work for the poor.  Today his followers  continue the good work of helping and supporting the poor and those experiencing  financial difficulties.  Many towns and parishes have a St Vincent de Paul Society, an organisation that helps the poor.  They collect food and clothing and provide meals for people in need. Magdalene shows kindness to the poor and needy in our area by helping our local St Vincent de Paul Society in their Winter and Christmas appeals.

Kindness is simply loving our neighbours as ourselves — putting others in our place. God allows us to see and respect the God-given dignity of our neighbour. Let us pray that we all may truly be “apostles of kindness” as we strive to live out the love of God in our daily lives. May everyday be “World Kindness Day”.

Mr Sligar

Acting Religious Education Coordinator