St. Joseph of the Lakes

Jesus says:⁴ But I say, love your enemies!^[a] Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ^{46(Mt.5:44=45)}

I have entered many discussions concerning giving aid to those who are begging, especially the people we see along the streets.  Often within the discussion a very cynical point will be made that those folks are making more than enough money, and it is tax free.  The point is raised about their personal worthiness to be given any resources.  I think in the cases of governmental resources being given to people that is a worthy question since not all taxpayers would willingly give to those people and the government has a right to determine whether the recipient is “worthy” to be helped. 

In the case of personal giving I think the context must be shifted from the receiver to the giver.  I am always challenged by Jesus’ words in Mt. 5: “For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, he sends his rain on the just and unjust alike.”  When we see someone asking for help it is an opportunity in which we can let God’s light shine as Isaiah invites to do in today’s first reading : “Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,” The action toward the other is more of a statement about our faith in God than a judgement upon the one asking for help.  In the Gospel today Jesus tells us “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

The more common way in which we show our faith is a regular attendance at Mass as we share prayer and the Eucharist.  But this is showing our faith to the choir.  We are gathered with other believers who share common values with us.  It is much more remarkable to show our faith to someone who may not share our faith.  They may not understand where our generosity comes from but still, we give witness to our trust in God who will provide for our needs.