The Test of Charity in These Times of Pandemic

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"  

Over the years of consciously working out every Filipino value in words and in deed, as well as nurturing our spirituality, the value of charity even up to this day would always lead us to reflect and directly relate it to the virtue of love. In the process, we are reminded of the deeper meaning of love - the level where it involves sacrifice & selflessness; the admonition to love even our enemies. 

It is very timely to be tackling the value of charity in these times of pandemic. There are many areas and aspects of our present condition that we can take a look at - common and relatable circumstances where we can assess or even measure our hearts when it comes to practicing the good deeds related to charity. At this point, though we have different economic means and ability to overcome the present pandemic, we are all undeniably subjected to seeing those who are struggling and in need of charity.

Being on the same predicament and as Values Restoration Officers, let us see clearly how we’ve been responding and plan how to extend charity in the days to come. We can individually answer the question of how we were & what we did since the pandemic until now; but we can corporately resolve to move together with the same burden, same heart, and the same direction from this point onwards.

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore we are commanded to be openhanded towards our fellowmen who are poor and needy. As VROs, we are ground breakers, we are expected to be the first people to do this, let our light shine, and become role models for others to follow. Remember that charity is measured not only in monetary value of things and that the poor does not only refer to those who are lacking in material possessions. In our nothingness, we can give generously; with kindness we can release hope & encouragement. In short, let us be inspired by our sincere love, this way we will naturally respond to every need surrounding us. 

Moreover, we are action takers. For what good is kind words without deeds? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  “What should we do then? Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Another thing we must embrace to do is to give indiscriminately. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?" It takes a whole lot of unconditional & sacrificial love to do this, but if we are ever wondering how to extend sincere charity, this is the ultimate standard. We are admonished not only to ceremonially give even to our enemies but love them, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything in return. Human as we are, this is truly a struggle but let us desire to overcome the feeling of distaste & discomfort of giving. 
​
Finally, let us find joy in giving. It is a process and it takes consistent effort to discover this joy in our hearts, but let us do it. A famous quotation says, “Give until it feels good.” Giving must not be reluctant or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let us not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in our  power to act. This way, the ‘secret’ door to abundance and continuous supply remains open for us. In all things at all times, we shall have all that we need, we will abound in every good work. We will be enriched in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion resulting in thanksgiving to God. (KMB, CRFV)

watch broadcast below