Road to Fifty Reflections: Day 7
"You will find out that CHARITY is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see. And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the MORE LOVE you must give them.
It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them."
~St. Vincent de Paul
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Oftentimes, when I give something (to a beggar)... whether bread or money... I catch myself expecting a smile or at least a word of thanks in return. My intentions may be genuine, yet I still feel a sting of offense when the gift I offer seems unappreciated — when they ask for something else, or even for more.
Today, a spiritual friend shared with me these words of St. Vincent de Paul. They struck me deeply. He reminds us that charity is more than the bread or coins we hand out. Anyone can give, but true charity goes beyond the gift itself— it is GIVING with love, patience and humility, even when it feels undeserved.
To love without counting the cost, to keep gentleness and a smile in the face of ingratitude... this is not an easy path. And yet, this is the charity Christ calls us to, entrusting all the rest to the Lord.
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