Monday, May 17, 2010

The Fraternity Of Kindness ♥


For some time I have been wanting to be a part of the FRATERNITY OF KINDNESS. I was first made aware of this through a Homeschooling Newsletter.
AS part of my focus on becoming more a Lady of Grace this month I have been trying to commit to this practise.

Why haven't I? Well because although if you read through the guidelines it sounds so very simple. I think it is actually something very hard. In the day to day life we lead these things are so often neglected. It is far easier to think unkind thoughts about someone else, someone who has something you want. Perhaps a work position of job.
Someone who has more money, possessions or for me: someone having sold their house and people who live together as a family.

Or perhaps someone has done you a wrong turn, been unfair, not responded in their own actions or words how you think they should have.
Once again it is easier to think, speak and act UNKINDLY to others.

In our homes when we are just tired or out of sorts or the day has not gone how we planned it is hard to remember that we should be KIND in all situations. How often I fail in this and so this is why I have put it off for so long. I am afraid of committing to this and then failing, not once but often.

However I believe that this has been placed on my hear to do and to share with others and so I am. I pray you find the message below at least thought provoking if not life changing.

"Blessed be the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God."
(St. Matthew 5:9)

What a vast increase in the sum-total of human happiness it would mean if each one of us were to be always just as kind as could be. Why, earth would be almost heaven if all unkindness were eliminated from our lives... It was such thoughts as these which came to a pious nun during her meditation, and which prompted her to found the FRATERNITY OF KINDNESS. Its rules are these:
  1. Not to think unkindly of others.
  2. Not to speak unkindly of others, or to others.
  3. Not to act unkindly towards others.
These rules imply, of course, the opposite virtues of always thinking kindly, speaking kindly, and being kind, to everyone.

There is a penalty attached to every violation of the rules, a double penalty, which consists of: (a) Saying a short prayer for the victim of our unkindness, and (b) performing some act of kindness toward that person that same day. If the latter is impracticable, a second short prayer will suffice. The prayer may be as short as "My Jesus, Mercy", or "Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine", or as long as an "Our Father".

Simple enough, isn't it? And how easy. Of course, we shall all want to join. And how much happier we should all be for it -- we, and all those with whom we come in contact. What must one do to join? Simply make up one's mind to be a member, and begin immediately to keep the rules.

Should anyone be sufficiently enthusiastic to want to spread the Fraternity, by trying to persuade his friends to become members -- as we shall all want to do -- he will by that very fact become an "Apostle of Kindness".

The Patron and Model of the Fraternity of Kindness is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for all mankind.

The reward for the faithful observance of the rules, is, here below to scatter sunshine broadcast wherever we go; to be beloved by our associates, and, what is more important, by the Loving Heart of our Redeemer with all that this implies; and, then one day to hear those joyous words: "Come, ye blessed of my Father; possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for ... whatsoever ye did to the least of my brethren, ye did it unto Me."

A.M.D.G. - Nihil Obstat: T. K. Gorman, Censor Deputatus; Imprimatur: John J. Cantwell, Bishop of Los Angeles and San Diego
Frederick Pohlman, Campaigners for Christ the King, 1825 First Avenue, New York City

I pray you may be interested in pursuing this in your own lives. ♥
Blessings,

5 comments:

Leanne said...

Gae, I love your courage to do this. As you say it isn't easy. I pray you The Lord will Bless you abundantly. I will take it to pray for myself.

Kim said...

I'm in. I know I need to work on my charity - this is a good thing for me. :-) I'm reminded of the book "The Hidden Power of Kindness" by Fr. Lovasik. I think I may reread it once I finish my current "to reads".

God bless you.

Suzie L. said...

You wrote on my blog a few days ago, but I didn't have a moment then to stop and say thanks. Today's post is wonderful ... I haven't heard of the Fraternity of Kindness before. I have been meaning to read Fr. Lovasik's book on kindness, though; and wonder if some of the tenants of each are similar.

Your blog reminds me of an airy summer garden! Peaceful and serene with a late afternoon sun streaming through.

Anonymous said...

Gae,

I wanted to thank you for the comment on my blog the other day. I also wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your blog and what an encouragement it is to me.

I'm also wondering if you would share how you came to select St. Jude as your Family Patron Saint. I never thought of having one for our entire family. Myself, I've always been drawn to St. Francis so I would say he is my Patron saint and more recently I'm drawn to Blessed Mother Teresa.

Blessings

Sandy

Dina said...

Gae,
I just recently found your blog and I love it! I especially love the art. This post has stayed with me all day. I have tried to be kind to everyone and think only kind thoughts. Wow! I sure have been praying a lot ;)Thank you for sharing this- I know my family and I will be blessed because of it.

Dina (from New York)

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