Charity means more than just a giving of things; sincere charity is when we give of ourselves to others in service and with a spirit of love. It is this type of authentic charity that dignifies both the giver and the receiver, and makes both first among equals.
To understand authentic charity we also need to understand that it is more than giving our unwanted goods and clothing to the 'needy', in that who can judge who is needy or not? There are many wealthy people in the world whom we assume 'have it all' but these same people, like many of us share a need to be loved for who they are and a yearning for inner fulfillment. Those who may live opulent lifestyles may never go to bed hungry, but they may go to bed unloved and unwanted.
For at the heart of charity is love, its very core resonates with a love for all irrespective of their social position. As Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.....Do to others as you would have them do to you."
We also need to challenge ourselves when it comes to charity and recognise that we are asked to give the little we have and not the left overs that we no longer want to those in need, which encompasses all human needs. There are many of our elderly citizens who have been placed in nursing homes, for one reason or another, and though they are well looked after, many suffer severe loneliness. These people do not need food, they do not need money, what they do need is to feel loved, appreciated and wanted.
The worse crime we can do to another human being is to leave them with a feeling that they are not needed and that they have no more to offer to their families, or their community. And though their physical needs are being met this is not charity this is simply doing the right thing to the more vulnerable in our community.
Charity is spirit and unless we understand this we will fail to fulfill its Divine purpose, which is not to make your life better but to enrich others by giving them your full attention and love. We can all speak of charity but if that is all we do, then it is mere empty words in a world which has grown bloated with self importance and 'catchy phraseology'.
And like one of our Saints we also need to rise to the challenge as did Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who not only gave assistance to the poor but ennobled them by his friendship. Being poor is not a crime, but withholding our help from those in need shows a flagrant disregard for the Teachings of the Gospel and the Church.
Frederic was not a dreamer, and he understood that though he may not be able to assist everyone, he could help one person and then another and so it goes on, as Frederic said, "If we are too young to intervene in the social struggle, are we then to remain passive in the middle of a world which is suffering and groaning? No, a preparatory path is open to us. Before doing public good, we can try to do good to a few. Before regenerating France, we can give relief to a few of her poor."
This young man also understood that in order to render true and sincere charity it must begin by making the giver, the servant of the poor, this is the central core and the entire heart of authentic charity. For it is not about what we give but why we give, this is the central theme as to our motive, do we give from a spirit of love or a spirit of self?
When we practice sincere charity it springs not from within ourselves, but from the outpouring of God's Love within our souls. So in affect we are not giving from our own efforts but merely sharing that which was given to us from on High.
Mother Theresa also understood this well and as she said, "People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another." We need to keep reminding ourselves that all the Gifts we have, all the goods we have accumulated and the love we have gained has always been God's charity to His beloved children.
Therefore charity can only be practiced when we realise that what we give is not to benefit ourselves but to give of ourselves to benefit others. Once again Mother Theresa encapsulates this, "The poor do not need our sympathy and our pity. The poor need our love and compassion."
But unless like Frederic Ozanam and Mother Theresa we embrace and live humility then we can only give what lay on the surface and deprive ourselves of sharing in God's Beatific Vision.
For sincere charity springs from a humble heart that realises that in and of itself it is nothing, but through God's Grace, we glimpse Heaven.
Peace of Christ to ALL
Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.
