Ongkingco
It is better to give than to receive!” A perennial adage that perhaps comes after the Gospel’s golden rule.
It has never ceased to inspire and challenge countless individuals to generously offer their lives for others or a particular cause.
But in our present materialistic society, given the abundance of goods, we may need to qualify ‘what is given’.
Pope Francis warned us about living in a disposable culture: a world where it is so easy to acquire, dispose and reacquire goods for egoistic and wasteful attitudes.
When people go out on social service activities, they would often offer ‘giveaways’. These are mechanically distributed and dispensed of. More often than not, they are ‘excesses’ of production that are donated rather than to be trashed.
There is nothing wrong about individuals or corporations trying to reduce waste by distributing them to the less fortunate.
I am thinking more about the restricted idea of ‘giving’ stemming from this disposable or recyclable culture: people end up giving things but do not discover the adventure of giving themselves as gifts!
St. Teresa of Calcutta graphically demonstrated this, not because she wanted to show off or anything, as she was helping a dying person in the streets of Calcutta.
“I will not do what you are doing for a million dollars!” The journalist who accompanied her reacted with some disgust.
“Neither will I!” The saint immediately replied to the journalist’s surprise.
Even before the journalist could say more, St. Teresa added, “But for God, I will!”
In this anecdote, and many others in the lives of the saints, we often witness that they did not require intermediaries to touch souls. Of course, they gave the poor food, clothing and offered them shelter.
But even before doing so, they had already given themselves as gifts to their lesser brethren.
Pope Francis encourages us: “We should not grow discouraged before examples of holiness that appear unattainable.
There are some testimonies that may prove helpful and inspiring, but that we are not meant to copy (…) The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (cf. 1 Cor 12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them. (Gaudete et exultate)”
This, I believe, is what we must strive for more: discovering the daily gift through our authentic charity towards family, colleagues and friends. This is offered through our smile, our humble service, uncomplaining attitude, forgiveness and compassion, etc
We wrap ourselves with prayerful silence and joy, that when opened will give the gift of Christ within us.
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