At this time of year when we give to various charities such as those ringing the bell in front of a grocery store, are we not supporting another faith community?
Sincerely,
Mark E. Braun
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ANSWER:
Your question is excellent as we will soon be entering the Nativity Fast - a time when we are called to give of our time, talents and treasures to others.
First, we must define what the word charity means. Simply stated charity is love. The 13th chapter of the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians defines what Christian love is. In the King James version of the Bible, the word love is translated as charity.
The true spirit of charity goes far beyond a token gift placed in a kettle in front of a store during the holidays or random acts of kindness. We are called to be charitable each and every moment of our life, not just the holidays. And charity is more than just monetary giving. Indeed we are admonished at every Divine Liturgy to commend ourself, each other and all of our lives unto Christ our God.
Now specifically to your question. We indeed need to be mindful of who and what we are supporting and contributing to. There are plenty of Orthodox charities that need our help, the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) St. Nicholas Orphanage in Slovakia, etc. Also there are local food pantries and soup kitchens you can assist in your local community. Also our own parishes need our financial support to be able to continue their spiritual ministry.
With this in mind, we need to be sure during the Advent Season and throughout the year that we offer a helping hand in true charity and love to those in need. If we pass by the kettle at the local grocery store for reasons of conscience let us be sure that we offer our charity elsewhere as a true reflection of our faith and love in Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Father Peter Paproski
