Giving Alms to Beggars

"There are those who say to the poor that they seem to look to be in such good health: "You are so lazy! You could work. You are young. You have strong arms."

You don't know that it is God's pleasure for this poor person to go to you and ask for a handout. You show yourself as speaking against the will of God.

There are some who say: "Oh, how badly he uses it!" May he do whatever he wants with it! The poor will be judged on the use they have made of their alms, and you will be judged on the very alms that you could have given but haven't."
St. John Vianney

I'm not always sure if I should actually give money or food directly to homeless people or beggars downtown, versus through organizations that provide support. This quote, courtesy of Julie D. from Happy Catholic, is very helpful. Please see her excellent post on this topic called Welcome to my Soap Box. From now on I will consistently give, particularly if I can also give love and a sense of dignity as well. Thanks Julie!

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Comments

[Julie D.]

Thanks for the link, Hector! :-)

I once worked for a Catholic charity for homeless men. And one of the main factors amongst the homeless is that the majority suffer some form of mental illness.
As it is the government in my home City has now decided to shut down yet another facility for the mentally ill.
Some of the men were also vietnam veterans sadly who because the trauma they were exposed too have become reliant on narcotics.
I dont know if there is a real solution to the problem but surely in these days mental hospitals can be made cosy and welcoming.
After all there are many hospices for the elderly can the government not have the same idea for the mentally ill?

Just a thought for a very difficult situation.

Loved the piece Hector, once again had me thinking and praying:).

Peace of Christ to you.

Marie

Faith of the Fathers blog

[Lisa]

Yes, nice post. Thanks for the food for thought.