Generosity

Like so many others, Celia lost her job during the pandemic.

As she watched the bills pile up and her family in need, she decided to go out and ask for help. She went from house to house, and people were kind and gave her some food to take to her family. Before returning home, she decided to stop at one more house that seemed to belong to someone rich. Celia rang the doorbell, and after sharing her needs, she was met with harsh, rude words. “I just lost my job,” the man said. “I have a lot of problems, and yours do not interest me. My family is struggling too. So, I do not, I cannot, and I will not help you. Go away, and leave me alone with my battles!” As soon as he finished speaking, he slammed the door violently. After a few minutes passed, Celia courageously rang the doorbell again.

When the man saw her the second time, he became even more irritated. “I have already told you I have nothing for you. Go away and do not bother me anymore!” Then Celia kindly reached into her basket and handed him some food she had just been given.

“I did not come to ask for anything; I came to share what I have received so your family can also eat tonight.” Under the man’s disbelieving gaze, she turned and walked away, happy to have been able to help and thinking to herself, Nobody is so poor that they cannot give nor so rich that they do not need to receive. What motivates someone so needy to share what little she has? Generosity. This is the characteristic of one who has compassion, nobility of character, and excellence of purpose. To be able to stop thinking about our own needs is a gift given by God to those who trust in Him and surrender to His plans.

The world touts the belief that personal success is individually earned and deserved. What matters are my needs, my success, and my ideas.

Everything is egocentric. But Jesus taught the opposite of that. He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NKJV).

The postpandemic world needs people who feel the pain of others and who care about them, even if they do not receive anything in return.

Just as Jesus cares about our every need, we are to care for others.

Sueli da Silva Pereira