Читать книгу The Sanctuary for Lent 2019 (Pkg of 10) - Juan Huertas - Страница 7

“But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

—Matthew 6:3

There are so many needs in the world. I often find myself overwhelmed by the news, smartphone notifications, and the latest updates on the radio. Added to that are the struggles in the communities where we live, work, and play. Crime, poverty, homelessness, healthcare, and education are only some of the many problems or needs that we are faced with every day. It is hard to choose how to help.

What we do know is that Jesus calls us again and again to help those in need. The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus helping those who had little and calling his disciples to do the same. This help took on many forms: healing, exorcising of demons, and proclaiming good news to the poor. Each encounter freed the person and the community into a more abundant and connected life.

Giving to the poor is another of the foundational practices for our springing into a deeper life with God. But we must be careful that we do not ignore it or do it in order to feel good about ourselves. We must practice it out of a sense of gratitude to God for what God has done in us, a sense of a call to generosity, and as a way to connect with (be in relationship with) those who are less fortunate than we.

When the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, our almsgiving is rooted in an understanding that when we see the poor, we see Jesus. An understanding that when we see Jesus in the poor we are converted, transformed, and renewed.

Breath Prayer:

In the poor, . . . let me see you.