The first reading this Sunday speaks of a time of great mourning in Jerusalem, but a time as well of grace and petition, a time, says the psalmist, for kindness. As the nation reels from the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, an outpouring of kindness in response to the tragedy in Orlando gives reason to hope that love indeed can triumph over evil.

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”

Charitable giving rose 5.4 percent last year to a record $358.4 billion, according to estimates released today by "Giving USA," the annual snapshot of American philanthropy.