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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"A son is given to us." (Isaiah 9:6)
Do you think the spirit of compassionate giving out of context from your life?
The greatest gift of God is eternal life in Jesus. Jesus is the God who concealed his glory in the human flesh and bones and presented to us as the greatest gift. This gift of God sparkles in the life of those who know him. They open the sluice of compassion to flow like the water in Niagara Falls. As long us god is there, compassion never ever becomes dry. "If God cares so wonderfully for wild flowers that are here today and thrown in to the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you." (Mathew 6:30) So don't panic and become afraid of life. If life is there, compassion will bubble out from the godly lots.
During the time of financial crunch, people used to think that the charity giving will be curtailed. But the reality was just the opposite. In the Christian world the collection should be done only for the necessities of life - that is charity. That is biblical. Before you open your purse for Christmas gifts it is better to scrutinize the purpose and usage of it. Your sacrificial gift should reach the real needy. Salvation Army is one of the best charities that works among the needy.
No one saw a jolly old man with a snow-white beard outside the Walgreens pharmacy in Joplin, Missouri in US that night. But when the salvation army emptied its "red bottle" (The tradition started in 1891 in US by a salvation army caption to feed the hungry at Christmas time. A big iron kettle was set out. Folks would toss in a coin or two to help the poor.) at the end of the day of bell ringing on December 13, it was as though Santa himself had stopped by. Salvation Army counting crew found five $1 bills, folded tightly in to squares- each concealing a $20,000 cashiers check with "Santa Claus" listed in the remitter. The captain of the crew said, "Some one special is usually among us - they see the need and give. I love this kind of philanthropy. This person is not lobbying for an attaboy or pat on the back. Really, it's the spirit of Christmas."
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Mathew 5:7)" But when you give to charity, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your charity is done in secret."( Mathew 6: 3-4)
Jesus, let the rich be compassionate to the needy. Lord, bless those who are liberally helping the poor without expecting any name but glory to you alone. Let your compassion meet all the needs of all the living beings. Let you be the greatest gift for everybody. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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