Life on earth and life after would bring great reward when we sincerely practice divine virtues. The wisest, Solomon, shares a secret for long life and respect, to anyone who desires blessings here and now, “Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly” (Prov 21:21). Christ, who always asked people to follow him, set the example of Good Samaritan’s kindness to be followed, “You go, then, and do the same” (Lk 10:37). The beloved apostle, John, pleads us to be kind in word and action, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). Book of Acts records how, in a community of honest believers who were ready to share all their possessions, Ananias and his wife Sapphira received an instant punishment for being dishonest (Acts 5:1-11). God takes pride in declaring the goodness of his children, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3), and rewarded him with the promised long life, “Job lived a hundred and forty years after this, long enough to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren” (Job 42:16). Let’s believe in the promise of the Word of God, and put into practice integral virtues, and sing along with the Psalmist, “Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life. I make my home in the house of Lord for all time to come” (Ps 23:6).

Abba, help us live kind and honest. Let your Spirit support us to practice the integral virtues, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.