Has someone’s act of kindness ever changed your life?

The greatness and beauty of the human spirit are undeniable in kindness. Kindness is beautiful, whether it is the thoughtfulness of a random act of kindness or the heroic kindness that involves great personal sacrifice.

Examine the most devastating and disgusting moments in human history and you will find heroic kindness. The greatness of the human spirit often shines brightest when the world is darkest.

The world was a dark place for Christians when Saint Theodotus lived, but that didn’t stop him from being unquestionably kind.

As an innkeeper in modern-day Turkey, Theodotus' profession became his ministry. He transformed his inn into a sanctuary for persecuted Christians, providing not only physical refuge but also spiritual solace. In doing so, he demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the welfare of others, prioritizing their safety and dignity above his own. The inn became a beacon of hope, where the Eucharist was celebrated and Christians could find a temporary rest from the threats outside.

Theodotus' acts of kindness extended beyond providing shelter; he risked his life to ensure that Christian martyrs received dignified burials, retrieving their bodies from public humiliation and burying them with honor. This task was perilous, as Roman authorities often left the bodies of martyrs exposed to dishonor their memory and discourage others from following the Christian faith. Undeterred, Theodotus and a small group of faithful would secretly retrieve the bodies under the cover of night.

Saint Theodotus' ministry came to a tragic end when he was eventually caught and arrested. Refusing to renounce his faith or betray his fellow Christians, he was martyred, joining the ranks of those he had once honored and buried.

The virtue of kindness is the excellence of character that imbues every thought, word, and action with goodness. It reveals the essence of our humanity in our ability to bring the goodness of God into any situation. Never underestimate the value of a kind word, thought, or deed. The power of simple kindness is unfathomable. The future of humanity depends on the selfless caring we call kindness.

Whose day can you make with your kindness today?

Patron Saint of: Innkeepers

Also Known As: Saint Theodotus of Ancyra

Symbols: Torches

Feast Day: May 18

Feast Day Shared By: Saint John I and Saint Felix of Cantalice