I once heard this story about a little girl who walked into church with her hands and arms covered in dirt, and her face smudged from play. Quietly slipping into the first pew, she clutched a single flower picked from the garden. The flower, hidden from view, was meant as her gift to God. From a distance, she seemed unkempt and out of place, yet in her heart she carried a love that longed to be shared. A kind usher checked on her, helped offer the flower, and gently guided her to go wash.

The usher’s action revealed what was in the girl’s heart. How easy it is for us to misjudge, forgetting that God looks not at appearances, but at the heart!

“The one who is righteous by faith will live.” (Romans 1:17)

In the Eucharist, this truth comes alive. Before the altar, we all come as we are—weak, imperfect, often stained by sin. Yet Christ receives us, for he knows our hearts. He does not push us away until we have made ourselves clean, but instead reveals his love for us, washes us, and feeds us with his very Body and Blood.

At Mass, may we approach the Lord like that young child: our offering small, our hands imperfect:

…as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you. (Luke 11:41)

When we remain spectators, we withhold our help and love. This story invites us to take that caring step and bring the gift of who we are, where we are, to become Christ for one another purposely.

May even our smallest action of love become something beautiful. May we learn to see through Christ’s eyes, receive with His heart, and love without judgment—so that we may not merely watch, but help change the world.

Let Us Pray: 

“Lord, we pray for the strength to show kindness, honor, and respect to all people. May our hearts be filled with greater generosity and a deeper love for all life. Guide us to a place of peace and unity, that we may reflect your grace and love in all that we do and say. Amen”. (A Prayer for Kindness and Respect)