A Small Act of Kindness

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the disciples looked at the large crowd and saw a problem. It was late, they were in a lonely place, and there was not enough food. Their solution seemed sensible: “Send the people away.” But Jesus had a different response. “There is no need for them to go; give them something to eat yourselves.” Jesus saw not only the need before Him, but also an opportunity for others to show compassion and generosity.

Many years ago, I experienced something similar in a different way. During the COVID lock down period in 2020, I lost my job after working for the same company for nearly twelve years. For several months, I searched for work without success. Eventually, I was invited to an interview. As I prepared, I mentioned it casually to a friend. Without hesitation, he offered to conduct a mock interview with me. He gave up his own time, asked me to send my CV and the job description, and spent the evening helping me prepare.

During the mock interview, he asked a question about my mentoring skills. I struggled to answer it well, and I realised I needed to prepare much better. The very next day, during the actual interview, the panel asked me that exact same question. This time, I was ready. Looking back, I often think about my friend’s generosity. He could easily have spent that time with his family, yet he chose to help someone who was going through a difficult season. That simple act of kindness made a real difference to my family.

Perhaps Jesus’ words are also spoken to us today: “Give them something to eat yourselves.” We may not be called to feed thousands, but we can offer our time, our encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand to someone who needs it. Small acts of kindness, offered with love, can become God’s way of providing for others.

As we go into this week, let us ask ourselves: Who around me needs a little encouragement? How can I share what God has given me? We may never know how much a simple act of kindness can change another person’s life.

Ajith Nissangaratchie
 

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