Joy in Giving

“God loves those who find joy in giving.” St. John Paul II

The cliché says that it is better to give than to receive. Sometimes I would find that phrase lame but this last while changed things. I had to put a new lock on my front door. I bought the lock, but I had called a locksmith. He offered to come immediately but, instead, offered to help me over the phone to save me the cost. I was surprised and once he talked me through it, I installed the new lock. Though I was proud of myself, I was more impressed that he would forego the money and help me for free. The next day, coincidentally, the kitchen faucet went on the fritz. I was not sure who to call but, on a hunch, I texted the locksmith and asked if he knew someone. The quick answer was – call this number and the plumber will come over ASAP. I called, but the plumber was delayed at another job, so I received a phone call from his colleague who said he was on his way. Surprised, I said, “Sure.” He came, installed what I needed done and went on his way with his money. I needed to attend an eye appointment, and I might not have been able to drive home dilated. Two friends offered to drive me, and they stayed with me and made sure I got home. All this happened in 48 hours. I was floored. I told the locksmith who started the ball rolling that goodwill goes further in business than advertising and fancy marketing. His reply was simple. He noted how he had been in business for years and goodwill helped.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Mother Teresa

I had to learn how to give my time and energy. I think I had to learn the hard way. I look at some examples of saints who offered so much to others for Christ. St. Elizabeth of Hungary said, “How can I, a wretched creature, continue to wear a crown of earthly dignity, when I see my King Jesus Christ crowned with thorns?” This 13th century queen chose penance and ascetism according to many sources and Franciscan Media. St. Elizabeth was a 13th-century queen who “chose a life of penance and asceticism when a life of leisure and luxury could easily have been hers.” She offered her time and money with her husband, but she continued to live for Christ after his death. Pope Benedict XVI spoke highly of her and how she was such an example. Another example was Bl. Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi who was a non-practicing Catholic before he married Bl. Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi. The marriage brought him closer to Christ. His wife was sick through many pregnancies but the fourth was the most difficult. Maria was in such danger that the couple was advised to abort; they refused. Their daughter who was born became Servant of God Enricchetta Beltrame Quattrocchi. Her two older brothers were priests and her sister a nun, but Enricchetta remained a laywoman, inspired to a holy lay life by the witness of her parents who had loved her so well.  This is true generosity.

“Teach us to give and not count the cost.” St. Ignatius of Loyola

How often do we give but want something back. ‘Tit for tat’ seems to be the most common mantra of society today. We are different. We are Catholics. We need to give to others because we are not islands in the world. Money is a problem today; with costs rising it is becoming more difficult to be generous. I don’t think money is the most essential element of generosity. Time, I would think, is more valuable. Giving our time and attention to others who really need it is so important. There is a need in society. Maybe less complaining and more doing would help. Let us continue to pray to have our minds and hearts open. Only Christ can do this.

“To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.” Pope Francis