There is a difference between philanthropy and charity; our Christian Service Commission members are helping us see the difference. This difference is vital for us to recognize - this weekend, above all - as we prepare Thanksgiving food baskets for the needy and celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. In Christ, we find why we seek the happiness of those in need; in Christ, we see the source of the gifts we enjoy and recognize Him as having ultimate custody over everything with which He blesses us.
Philanthropy is a common practice in our society and often has a practical motivation: it is good because it decreases suffering and is practiced insofar as it contributes to the happiness and well-being of an ever more significant number of people. That is fine, as far as that goes, but utility does not explain why we should seek the happiness of others in the first place or answer the deepest longings of the human heart. On the other hand, charity is a necessary component of a healthy parish, indeed, of any Christian’s life.
Charity is not simply about decreasing suffering; it concerns one’s relationship with God and a way of being in the world. Our belief in God should lead us to trust ourselves entirely to Him; belief (or lack thereof) is reflected in how we use our resources. If we are centered on ourselves, we don’t share with others, either hoarding or wasting what we have. True believers in God engage in charity as a sign that they recognize God identifies with those most in need of love - the poor. God, being love, seeks the good of the other. God expects His followers to do the same. On this Feast of Christ the King, we are also reminded that our charity to the poor is an act of entrusting our wealth to God. He has gifted us with all the good things we enjoy; being a gift in turn to those in need is a sign of our gratitude to the One who has dominion over it all.
Let us serve those in need this Thanksgiving, and always, charitably. Following the example set by our Christian Service Commission members, we can act on our belief in God and reflect His love to those He loves. We can reflect the true and deepest happiness everyone wants: to experience love and know they are loved. That realization far outlasts the fleeting moments of relative satisfaction and contentment that philanthropy provides. Charitable concern serves the needs of this life while reflecting life with God in the world to come.
David J. Conrad
Philanthropy is a common practice in our society and often has a practical motivation: it is good because it decreases suffering and is practiced insofar as it contributes to the happiness and well-being of an ever more significant number of people. That is fine, as far as that goes, but utility does not explain why we should seek the happiness of others in the first place or answer the deepest longings of the human heart. On the other hand, charity is a necessary component of a healthy parish, indeed, of any Christian’s life.
Charity is not simply about decreasing suffering; it concerns one’s relationship with God and a way of being in the world. Our belief in God should lead us to trust ourselves entirely to Him; belief (or lack thereof) is reflected in how we use our resources. If we are centered on ourselves, we don’t share with others, either hoarding or wasting what we have. True believers in God engage in charity as a sign that they recognize God identifies with those most in need of love - the poor. God, being love, seeks the good of the other. God expects His followers to do the same. On this Feast of Christ the King, we are also reminded that our charity to the poor is an act of entrusting our wealth to God. He has gifted us with all the good things we enjoy; being a gift in turn to those in need is a sign of our gratitude to the One who has dominion over it all.
Let us serve those in need this Thanksgiving, and always, charitably. Following the example set by our Christian Service Commission members, we can act on our belief in God and reflect His love to those He loves. We can reflect the true and deepest happiness everyone wants: to experience love and know they are loved. That realization far outlasts the fleeting moments of relative satisfaction and contentment that philanthropy provides. Charitable concern serves the needs of this life while reflecting life with God in the world to come.
David J. Conrad
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