Glorious Kindness: Tuesday of Holy Week

Two young women stand together in a softly lit square in Lisbon, heads bowed over a phone. In the midst of a busy city night, they share a quiet moment of attention and connection. It is a simple scene, but it speaks volumes: Kindness begins when we stop and pay attention to someone else. In a world rushing past, small moments of care shine the brightest.

"The LORD called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name." Isaiah 49:1

These words from Isaiah remind us of something profoundly comforting:
God knows us. Even before we understand who we are, even before we take our first breath or choose a path for our lives, God already sees us. He not only knows what we are capable of, he sees who we will become when we live in trust and surrender to his love.
When we stop letting our ego lead the way and instead allow ourselves to be guided by the One who formed us, we become what we were created to be: Glorious in the sight of the Lord.

Jesus' Final Week

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is in the final hours before his Passion. He knows that betrayal is near, that Peter’s denial is coming, that death is around the corner and still, he speaks of glory.
Glory in suffering.
Glory in obedience.
Glory in love poured out.

We may not see kindness as something glorious, but every true act of kindness, especially when it costs us something, is a reflection of divine glory.
It is God’s light shining through us.
And that light, however small, can become like a beacon for someone who feels forgotten or lost.

When we choose kindness, even when we are tired, even when others let us down, we are living out who God already knows we are. We are stepping into the identity he saw in us from the womb.

Reflect

Today, reflect on this:
God knows you completely.
He is not surprised by your struggles or failures.
He sees the whole story and he calls you by name.
Where in your life can you let go of ego, control, or fear, and trust more deeply in the one who formed you?
And what act of kindness can you do today to reflect his glory?

Pray

Lord,
You knew me before I knew myself.
You see the full picture of who I am and who I am becoming.
Help me to let go of my need to control everything.
Teach me to trust in your plan for my life.
And may every act of kindness I offer today reflect your light and your love.
Amen.

Quote to carry with you:
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." St. Teresa of Calcutta

Much of Teresa's ministry and teaching were focused on small acts of love and human dignity and the power of presence and kindness. As we prepare to celebrate the days ahead, may you fill your space with kindness toward others and toward yourself. You are loved by God.

Photo. Karen Curjel, Lisbon, Portugal