"Generosity is a virtue not just for those with a special spiritual gifting or an admirable philanthropic passion. It is at the very heart of our rebirth. Popular culture has taught us to believe that charity is a virtue. But for Christians, it is only what is expected. True generosity is measured not by how much we give away but by how much is left, especially when we look at the needs of our neighbors. We have no right not to be charitable. The early Christians taught that charity is merely returning what we have stolen. In the seventeenth century, St. Vincent de Paul said that when he gives bread to the beggars, he gets on his knees and asks for forgiveness from them.
The early Christians used to write that when they did not have enough food for the hungry people at their door, the entire community would fast until everyone could share a meal together. What an incredible economy of love. The early Christians said that if a child starves while a Christian has extra food, then the Christian is guilty of murder." Shane Claiborne, Irresistible Revolution.
While I was looking for a picture for this post I ran across these two photos and was taken by the similarity in their gaze. They seem to have the haunting look of hopelessness in their eyes and it is bad enough to see that look in an adult, but how much worse in the face of a child? 
2 comments:
Hi Fred,
Very interesting post emphasizing the need for generosity in us.We are so much preoccupied with our own desires and needs that we forget about this most important quality of a Christian.
The photos bring out in sharp focus the despondency,gloom and worry on their faces.There are innumerable people all over the world in this desperate situation.If all people who have enough and more come forward to help so much pain and suffering can be eliminated from this world.
Best wishes,Fred,
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
You are so right, there are thousands in the US that are going hungry, and we have enough wealth to end it all, but for the blindness of man. I heard the average American wastes 25% of the food he buys. That 25% could easily relieve all the hungry here.
God bless,
Fred
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