Often at eulogies, we hear families and friends express how lovely their beloved ones had been before passing on. They share those experiences as legacies they remember about the deceased, and that would always be evergreen in their memory. The peculiar qualities, characteristics, and good deeds the person is known for always flash to mind whenever the person’s name is mentioned. He or she lives on in the hearts of those he or she must have made a lasting impression on, and that’s a huge blessing of virtuous life worthy of bearing. The first reading from the book of Proverbs today advises on some of the qualities that distinguish one and often cause him to be remembered. They include, but are not limited to:
Kindness
Kindness is a moral virtue which has to do with the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate to others even without expecting praise or reward in return. It is a rare quality to have in our world today where the virtue has been distorted, commercialized, and made economical. What you can bring to the table these days determines how you can be helped. We help others with the expectation of some benefits in return in the future which is totally different from the conscientious and moral kindness of selfless service given to another with nothing attached to it. That is the type of kindness the author of Proverbs has in mind when he says:
‘My son, do not refuse a kindness to anyone who begs it if it is in your power to perform it. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go away! Come another time! I will give it to you tomorrow,’ if you can do it now’ (Proverbs 3:27 -28).
It is a known fact that we sometimes send people away when they approach us for any kind of help or support. Often, we do that either to calculate how beneficial the help we wish to render would be to us or to subtly discharge them. Once it is not favourable, we give excuses and keep postponing the appeal to fit our desire or turn the person off. We must think back and calculate how often we have done this. Also, we do it because we are privileged to be in a position that is better off. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of the other to understand the need to be considerate. And, we must not forget the sayings of Christ: ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matt 25:40). It is a ticket to heaven and what we shall be remembered for.
No Evil Plan Against Another
Living in peace with neighbours and having no evil plans against others is another quality mentioned by the author of the book of Proverbs in today’s reading. God lives where there is peace, and all lovers of God adhere to peaceful co-existence. A virtuous man does not plan evil against another nor live in violence or condole it. Rather he lives respectfully with people around him or her. Such a person walks without fault; speaks the truth, acts in justice, and does not slander the other. He does not offer nor accept bribe but works hard to keep his pledge at all costs. The psalmist today eulogizes such a person in the exaltation of the psalmist in today’s reading. Can we sincerely count ourselves among such people?
Humility
Humility is another quality one is remembered for, and even God has a great love for those who are humble. That is the reason behind the saying thus: ‘anyone who humbles himself shall be exalted’ (Matt. 23:12). God ‘accords his favours to the humble’ (Proverbs 3:34). Anyone who has this quality stands out, among others. Let us then as Christians work hard to acquire this rare quality in our lives for the just. The psalmist says, ‘will live in the presence of the Lord’ (Psalm 14:1).
Peace be with you!
