September 11, 2009
The Second Half
Work of faith
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
A friend stopped by to talk and we sat with him on our front porch. As with most conversations, the real purpose of his visit didn’t surface until we had spent some time talking about everyday things. Eventually, he mentioned he had met some friends online from a third-world country. After several notes back and forth, his friends sent an e-mail saying one of them had taken ill. They included a video that was so graphic our friend felt certain they were in dire straits and he sent the money they requested for medicine. A few weeks and several relatively small checks later, his new friends notified him that more people had become ill and larger sums were needed for medicine. He sent the money. Soon others became ill and even larger sums were requested. Now the amounts were more than the hourly wages from his part-time job could support. Our friend has a great heart and his love of Christ makes it difficult for him to turn down anyone he thinks may be in need.
He asked if we thought the requests were legitimate. Of course, we have no way of being certain, but we had to tell him that we suspect the claims might be more about getting money than about being truthful. Still, the teachings of Christ and the apostles are very clear. Whatever we do for those in need, we do also for Christ. Whether it’s a panhandler in front of us on the street, or the image of a child in a far-away country living in desperate poverty, the verses in this Sunday’s second reading compel us to help. In fact, most people who give on a regular basis almost expect to be “taken” once in a while. People who are givers are simply grateful they have something extra to share.
Still, it is because the need is so great that we have an obligation to make sure whatever we offer does go to help those who are in need. Long ago when we lived in Africa, we saw firsthand the work of Catholic Relief Services. Even local non-Catholic missions had food to feed the hungry because Catholic Relief Services shared food with any mission that worked to relieve hunger. CRS still consistently receives the highest charity rating because more than 90 percent of every dollar they receive goes directly to help those in need.
With such an avenue available to us, why would anyone give to sources that can’t be verified as legitimate? As our friend said, he has no family of his own, and it makes him feel good to know people need him. He said it makes him feel important to know someone is depending on him. Their gratitude warms his heart. Giving anonymously through a large organization may not provide the gratification that comes from seeing the joy and relief in the recipient’s eyes. Matthew 6:3 tells us “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Giving what we can afford to an organization aligned with our faith makes certain our gift will have an impact where it is most needed. Such a gift has the personal gratitude of Christ. The most difficult part about giving is understanding how and where to give. There is wisdom in putting our gifts into the hands of those who are working on the front lines to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.