Charity

Last week we saw how property flows from liberty. We create wealth by applying our time, treasure, and talent to transport or transform things. We are free to keep, use, or trade our share of the increased value. We also saw that because we must consume to exist there is continual need. Six weeks ago we discussed how the right to life entailed access to the necessities of life.
This week’s Mustard Seed examines charity. We might imagine an ideal community where the interest, ability, and effort of each member meld with those of others to fully balance the needs and desires of the community. Such a society will never exist because desires are unbounded. On the high end there is always more. Enough is never enough. On the low end today’s desire becomes tomorrows need. For the vast majority, however much they earn, their lifestyle grows to stretch their limit. There are also those who because of age, injury, infirmity, or a variety of reasons can’t produce enough to provide their needs. Their right to life dictates that their community provide the shortfall. Contribution for the needs of others with no expectation of material return is charity.
     Charity begins in the family. Parents assume responsibility to feed, clothe, shelter, and nurture their children until the children are able to provide for themselves. Children then care for their parents when they age and become dependent. Marriage as the Catholic Church understands it marks a new family. Marriage is not a contract to protect the rights and property of two people who decide to live together. Marriage is a covenant between partners who freely and willingly intend to bear and raise children. Society recognizes, respects, and protects marriage precisely because of the charity of raising new members and caring for older members of the community.
     Charity extends to the broader community when family is unable or unwilling to meet the needs of certain members. Often those in need are incapable of actively pursuing their needs. People recognized that fact and organized to meet those needs proactively. The Catholic Church began opening public hospitals and orphanages in the 4th century AD. She began developing universities in the medieval ages. The Catholic Church remains the largest charitable organization today. Other religious denominations are also very active in education, medicine, and other charity. In recent times governments assume ever more social responsibility. Non-profit organizations also arise to offer all manner of assistance. No matter how it is offered the responsibility for charity resides with all who are able to give.
     As much as it seems we have barely enough to meet our needs we still have a duty to charity. In Luke 3:11 John says, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who hasn’t any.” Whether time, talent or treasure we must offer as we are able. For years I delivered food donated by a local bakery to a soup kitchen. Three of the kitchen’s patrons regularly helped carry the donations in. I saw patrons step out of line to help others negotiate curbs with their buggy of belongings. More than once I saw a man bring food out and deliver it across the street to people unable to make it into the kitchen. It was common to see a group of people in the line offer consolation to someone in pain or anguish. These people receiving charity still found ways to offer charity.
    How much charity is enough? Start with a little more than is comfortable. Your tolerance for charity will grow and you’ll soon come to know you receive much more than you give. 
      Next week: Family.
                                                             God bless.

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