I was walking outside the supermarket this afternoon when I saw a lady in the distance begging. She drew my particular attention because she was very well dressed and respectable looking, in I would say her early sixties a native not an emigrant (we have organised foreign begging gangs here run by foreign gang lords) , sober and she looked uncomfortable and unused to begging; in other words like someone in a real dire need. I knew before I got close that she would ask and ask she did. I heard her muttering when a lady ahead had refused her, 'Oh this is awful I hate to have to do this..' When she asked me I surprised myself by refusing her in a cold impersonal tone and marching on across the road. I must confess I am a naturally tight person and while I would give my right arm to be generous I am afraid even with great effort and practice generosity may well have to wait until the world to come.... But her words came back to haunt me... 'Oh this is awful I hate to have to do this..' ..and cut my heart like a knife. So at once recrossed the road in a hurry a little gold coin outstretched. She saw me coming at a distance and with the most beautiful smile on her face and a big thank you took it. Later on the day when I got home in the kitchen I looked at my little savings box where I put coins from time to time for charity and in case of anyone needing money. I hesitated remembering I had already given to the lady that afternoon but put a coin in the box anyway . (practice ..practice , practice} All at once I heard the voice of Jesus pealing in my heart quite clearly.. 'I saw what you did for that woman today'. Staggering thought, amazing Jesus was actually watching..as He watches all. Matthew 25:45 …44"Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' 45"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." View attachment 2189
I wonder if it might be possible that Jesus knowing charity is so difficult for tight wads like myself appreciates it all the more when we manage to shell out a little? ..well maybe.
I appreciate your open confession, admitting that your heart is naturally stone cold Padraig. So refreshing. All of is are naturally so, but few have the courage to admit it. It also must be a blessing though, to hear so directly from our Lord. I often ask to hear, but I must be deaf.
that was beautiful Padraig. I really struggle with this. My grandmother (from Ireland) taught me to give to anyone that asks because they may be Christ in disguise. But I know so many who beg for drug money and it is glaringly apparent who they are, especially in NYC. Sometimes, I have felt bad and gone and bought them food instead....A sandwich or an apple if they are outside a food store. But, I too have great difficulty saying no to those begging....I don't want to get to heaven and have Christ say, I asked you for food and you walked by me.....no, I think I will stick with my grandmother's ideal....she is surely in heaven. Pray for me Grandma Kate.....
Sometimes indeed it is very difficult to know what to do. I used to give money to the poor drunks down town. Then a nun saw me and gave off to me very angry for giving them money for drink and encouraging them. That I should think about what I was doing. So I stopped. Then I mentioned to another nun that I never gaver the poor city centre drunks dough to feed their habit. She was indignant. Who was I to judge others! How did I know what they would do with the money! They might buy food! ..and if they wanted to drown their sorrows that was their buisness not mine! So whenever I meet a poor drunk I have an angry and indignant nun in my minds eye wagging their fingers at me. So I am inclined to suit myself.
You know I recall many years ago being approaching a poor alcholic gentle man (and he was a gentleman) for money to buy food. Thinking I was doing good I took him to the supermarket asked him to take what he liked and I would pay for it (thinking in this way to avoid the dough going down his throat in whiskey form) Well one large trolly later I paid for it and left him too it feeling very happy I had done exactly right. I found out from the manager of the store he had turned right back and cashed the goods right away for cash. I remember feeling baffled by it all.. But all you can do is your best. As they say you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink it.
My mom taught us at a young age that IT IS JESUS begging on the corner, every one of them. I never pass an opportunity to give something, my be a few dollars cash, sometimes a cart of groceries, one time it was just a winter coat and gloves. No matter what they do with the money - we're called to GIVE and not to dictate where it goes. Even in college (when I wasn't practicing catholicism) my mother's words echoed in my mind and I couldn't NOT give. It's only money! Give, give, give!
I have always preferred to give to the church rather than a hand out for someone who appears to be not making good choices with their donations. However after I listened to Sondra Abrahams testimony I changed my tune. I always keep an extra dollar in my purse just in case. We don't see this too much in our area though. God Bless!
Yes I agree with you all it is better to just give and not count the cost. Matthew 5:41 …40"If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41"Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42"Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.…
