JE's resolution #13: Being aware of the needs of my neighbor

13. Resolved, To be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality

This resolution seems to prompt an absurd question: who is a fit object of my charity and liberality? Seems like that other famous one "who is my neighbor"?

If we're tempted to think so, then we have our Savior's commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself". Seek the good of your neighbor in the same way you seek your own good. Bless your neighbor as you bless yourself. Clearly, the assumption is that we're alreading seeking our own good which is true whether we accept it or not.

But if the resolution was not meant to distinguish between people who deserve our charity and people who don't, then what's its value or its aim? Our Lord gives us a clear picture of this:

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36)

Our Lord gives us a sample list of fit objects of the charity and liberality of His sheep. Fed the hungry. Gave a drink to the thirsty. Welcomed the stranger. Clothed the naked. Visited with the sick and the prisoner.

Convicting, isnt' it?

Honestly, anytime I read these words it always has an impact on me. How little or how much I do, God knows. And I pray I do not grow dull at his warning but rather more responsive as I grow old.

To not grow dull, it may help me ask a few things to myself. Doesn't Jesus provide always for my physical needs? And what about the spiritual ones? Hasn't He given me the bread of his body and his blood to drink by dying in my place? Hasn't he entreated me when a stranger and alienated from him? Hasn't he clothed me with the robe of His righteousness? Hasn't he come down from Heaven to visit me in my sickness and bondage to sin? Questions I need to ponder more often.

Make me a worthy sheep in your fold, O Lord!

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)