Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
“For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness” Wisdom 7:26
The Olympic Games are a time when country men and women proudly cheer their favorite athletes on to a hopeful gold, silver or bronze medal. The competition is intense, requiring years of training for the athletes who are honored to represent their country before the world.
The 2016 Rio Olympics were no different as many gifted athletes competed for the top honor, but there was one moment that stood out among the rest. During the women’s 5000M race, New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin fell and accidentally tripped up Abbey D’Agostino of the United States.
When D’Agostino got back to her feet she could have quickly set her sights on catching up with the other contenders, but she chose not to, instead, she turned to Hamblin who was still lying prone to help her up. D’Agostino decided to sacrifice the culmination of years of training to help a fellow racer.
The two women eventually finished the race, more than two minutes after everyone else. Neither of these women won the 5000M heat, no, these two women won at something much larger, they mirrored before the whole world God’s love, compassion, and goodness.
In a world where it feels that we face evils and threats of evil in every direction, remembering these fantastic examples of loving-kindness are important. We do not have to be an accomplished athlete to experience or mirror God’s goodness; we need only to tune in, pay attention and observe the people we encounter.
Perhaps we can feel His goodness through the encouraging words of a friend, or the interaction with a stranger we meet in the produce section of the grocery store, or maybe it’s felt in those unexpected moments of peace.
You never know when your kind words or deeds will be the hand that helps to lift another. God’s goodness is here for us all; we can find it is His daily love and care for us, we can find it each time we open our Bible, go to confession and attend mass. His goodness is available to us each time we pray. It’s through our words, actions and commitment to prayer that we combat the evils of the world. Have faith in God, have confidence in His wisdom and his love for us and trust His timing in your life.
Psalm 100:5 tells us “For the Lord is good, his mercy endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.”
How can you be a mirror of God’s loving goodness today?
To Jesus through Mary-Amelia Mannes-Gilliland
