For the nuns of the Little Sisters of the Poor, kindness is a discipline that is its own reward. But occasionally, their acts of kindness yield more tangible fruit.

The sisters operate a hospice called St. Martin’s Home, and were at a big box retailer purchasing Christmas gifts for the elderly residents and staff. While they wheeled their cart through the parking lot, they were approached by a stranger with an offer to help load the gifts into the trunk of their car.

“We just thought it was a good Samaritan and he was there out the willingness of his heart and the holiday spirit," said sister Caroline Joseph. Sister Bernadette made sure to thank him for his efforts.

“I said, 'Gee, you did that so quickly! I can't tell you how grateful we are that you helped us.' And I shook his hand and I said, 'God bless you, and I surely will pray for you.'"

The stranger moved fast for a reason; upon their return, the nuns opened the trunk and found half of their gifts missing. But before they could file a police report, a store rep called to report that their gifts were spotted in a cart on the far side of the parking lot. The sisters’ theory is that the thief was so moved by their words of gratitude that he couldn’t finish the job.

Potential Preaching Angles:

Kindness sincerely expressed can stir goodness in even those who intend evil. Repentance is not just regret, but changing our outward actions to match our inward change of heart.

Source:

Kate Amara, “Nuns Robbed of Gifts for Poor Get Their Purchases Back,” WBAL (11-28-18)