"We can carry this practice of deeds of loving-kindness over to all anonymous people who cross our paths. The folks at the checkout counter, the wait staff, people asking for handouts on the street, the custodians in our buildings — we can make it a point to look at them and to speak kindly to them. This applies to disfigured people, those with disabilities, or the person at work whom no one likes. Bring kindness and a smile to each of these people. Our efforts won't always be acknowledged but we need to make them nonetheless.

"Our practice is based on discerning God's image and likeness in every human being we encounter and ultimately in every sentient being as well. Every time we do this, we are closer to becoming Jesus' twin, for this was his hallmark. Surely those who were met by Jesus — whether they were prostitutes, hated tax collectors, or lepers — felt his loving gaze, an embracing presence revealing to them their innermost identity as icons of God, imprinted with God's sign and seal. It no longer made a difference how they were judged by society.

Each time we act in this way, each time we are attentive in this way, each time we pray in this way, we are softening our own heart chakras, causing that creaky wheel to rotate a bit more easily. There is so much of Jesus that we can incorporate in our own lives: the joy with which he drank in the wonder and beauty of his heavenly Parent's world, the kindness in his eyes when he looked at those in need, the healing presence he brought to everyone he met, the love in his heart when he tried to help people open up to the immensity of God's love. It is a lifetime practice to become Jesus' twin. And yet, I find Jesus' twins among so many people I meet — Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, atheists and agnostics.”