THROUGH UNTRUE

During the 2013 Miss World competition, Megan Young’s mother was asked: “What is the biggest piece of advice that you gave your daughter?” Without hesitation, she replied: “I told her to be kind.” She added: “Megan, if you win the crown, go around the world and spread that kindness in your heart. You will never go wrong with kindness.”

Today, many people see kindness as ineffectual or even naive, especially in situations where toughness appears more effective in achieving tangible results and public recognition. I once heard a mother introduce her two sons to her friends this way: “This is my eldest. He is intelligent, decisive, and hardworking. And this is my second son: He is kind.” She said “kind” after a long pause and in a voice dripping with frustration.

Indeed, kindness appears like an old-fashioned virtue. It was once considered essential when society was composed of small communities, which necessitated mutual dependence for survival and support. The notion of extending a helping hand to those in need was integral to daily life. Acts of kindness were often embedded in the fabric of social rituals and obligations. In times of crisis, mutual aid networks and volunteering proved vital to maintaining social cohesion.

However, as communities expanded and became more urbanized and fragmented, the emphasis on personal autonomy and self-interest grew stronger, supplanting the social ties that were once sustained by the virtue of kindness. 

As industrialization raged, an economic model arose. It prioritized profit maximization and material accumulation. Social connections, compassion, and the common good gradually took the back seat in shaping policies, markets, and business practices. Today, we see the adverse effects of this business model — environmental degradation, natural resource depletion, pollution that undermines the planet’s ecological balance, and, worse, rampant consumerism.

Happily, there is now a trend among people (especially the youth) who have grown tired of this business model. They realize that they do not need to buy and own many things to experience abundance. They are developing a new kind of relationship with goods and wealth — a relationship that is no longer defined by ownership but by accessibility. They put their trust not in products that they think they need but in the people who provide access to them. They realize that the best things in life are not things but human relationships.
Many service providers, advertisers, and CEOs of the retail business are also beginning to think in the same way. They base their business plans and decisions on a value system that considers the importance of kindness. Known as “kindness economy,” this system emphasizes sustainability and stewardship, encouraging practices that consider the environmental impact of production, the well-being of employees, and the needs of the communities they serve.

In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:39-45), the Blessed Virgin Mary shows us an exemplary act of kindness. Given the difficult circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, Mary’s decision to leave her home in Nazareth and travel to Judea (a journey that would have taken several days) shows her willingness to put her cousin’s needs before her own. Mary brought joy not only to Elizabeth but also to the unborn John the Baptist, who “leaped for joy” in Elizabeth’s womb. Their mutual celebration of God’s work in their lives illustrates how kindness can foster deep, joyful connections between people.

By visiting Elizabeth, Mary aligns herself with God’s will and participates in the larger narrative of salvation history. This act shows kindness not only on a personal level but also in its alignment with God’s purposes.

As Christmas approaches, try to be kind. Christmas can be an especially tough time for those facing financial hardships, illness, or isolation. In Naples, Italy, there is a tradition where a customer buys a cup of coffee but pays for two: one for himself and another, known as “caffè sospeso,” which can be claimed free of charge by someone in need, particularly those who are less fortunate. This practice has since spread to other parts of the world as a gesture of kindness and generosity.