What acts of charity do you do?

Continuing on through the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, today’s reflection is on Charity, also known as Love.

Like all virtues, charity is an act of the will, and the exercise of charity increases our love for God and for our fellow man; but because charity is a gift from God, we cannot initially acquire this virtue by our own actions. Charity depends on faith, because without faith in God we obviously cannot love God, nor can we love our fellow man for God's sake. Charity is, in that sense, the object of faith, and the reason why Saint Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, declares that "the greatest of these [faith, hope, and charity] is charity."

Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said “Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same – with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” This is about the best definition of the virtue of charity which I have found.

So much love and charity have sprung up in the aftermath of the coronavirus. There are those whose jobs involve service – police, fire, National Guard and more – who you could say are merely doing their jobs, but I think there is still love behind their work. Many other citizens, on their own, have helped to clean up rioted neighborhoods. Businesses have opened their buildings to create emergency medical facilities or vaccination sites. And many people have donated time to make masks and distribute them. This is charity in action.

There’s just one caveat when you perform acts of love – don’t think too highly of yourself when you do good works! I sometimes fall into this trap – patting myself on the back for a good deed I have done. Then I think I can relax because I have “done my part!” Instead, I must remind myself that we are called to continually love and support others. I believe we should not stop at “good enough” but continue to give, even until it hurts. That’s not easy to do, but that is what Jesus did – He gave his life for us. That is Jesus' perfect act of Charity.

How can you incorporate Charity into your life? Today I challenge you to find someone to whom you can offer Charity. Maybe you can donate something to those affected by the virus. Perhaps you have a neighbor who is lonely or who could use some help with their children. Maybe you have a strong shoulder to offer to someone who is experiencing a loss. Whatever you can do – do it! And may you be blessed through your charity.

When preparing my book “Reflections on The Journey: Living The Rosary,” I wrote reflections for each of the prayers said during the Rosary, and I also wrote some short reflections on the three theological virtues. My gift to you today is this one on Charity.

CHARITY

Charity is heartfelt care;

Help for neighbor, here and there.

All are welcomed to the feast;

Reconciled - the great and least.

In our hearts and souls we know

Tender love; Your mercies grow;

You are God, You are my Lord;

Help me love as in Your word.

Have a blessed Monday!

Faye

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