Charity
Charity
Charity
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Theme – Charity

We learn of God’s love through the Scriptures, the testimony of God himself, where we read that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). The Scriptures therefore instruct all, including families, to practice charity because Christ is present in every person, especially the poor and needy.

Meditation

From Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia

A married couple who experience the power of love know that this love is called to bind the wounds of the outcast, to foster a culture of encounter and to fight for justice. God has given the family the job of “domesticating” the world and helping each person to see fellow human beings as brothers and sisters. … For their part, open and caring families find a place for the poor and build friendships with those less fortunate than themselves. In their efforts to live according to the Gospel, they are mindful of Jesus’ words: “as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). In a very real way, their lives express what is asked of us all: “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed” (Lk 14:12-14). You will be blessed! Here is the secret to a happy family.

By their witness as well as their words, families speak to others of Jesus. They pass on the faith, they arouse a desire for God and they reflect the beauty of the Gospel and its way of life. … Their fruitfulness expands and in countless ways makes God’s love present in society.

  1. How do we live out charity in our family towards others?
  2. Why does charity enrich family life and expand its fruitfulness? Do we think people can actually encounter Christ by helping those who are in need? Why or why not?
  3. How can our family learn to know God better through love in our own family and love toward those we don’t know?

Scripture Reading – Psalm 86:1-7, 11-12

A prayer for God’s protection of the poor

Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me,
   for I am poor and oppressed.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted;
   save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, LORD;
   to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant;
   to you, LORD, I lift up my soul.
LORD, you are good and forgiving,
   most merciful to all who call on you.
LORD, hear my prayer;
   listen to my cry for help.
On the day of my distress I call to you,
   for you will answer me.
Teach me, LORD, your way
   that I may walk in your truth,
   single-hearted and revering your name.
I will praise you with all my heart,
   glorify your name forever, LORD my God.

Family Project

Volunteer as a family with your parish, local Knights of Columbus council or other local Catholic ministry. If there are no nearby Catholic charities, then consider volunteering at a nearby soup kitchen or similar local charity.