Almsgiving, or Acts of Charity
Every human society has come into existence as a result of the cooperation of humans with one another. This has meant that people contribute their talents, abilities and even material substance towards the security and sustenance of the group or society as a whole. But every society has also had to reckon with the fact that not everybody is able to contribute equally, and that some members of its group are more vulnerable than others, whether because of their age, or because of disability, injury or disease. The giving of alms arose in societies around the world as a means for those on the margins of society to survive. There is evidence that the group of disciples who traveled with Jesus not only received monetary support from others, but also maintained their own fund for giving to the poor. But there were other forms of charity as well. “Charity” is from the Latin, caritas, which means “love for all people.” Jesus’ ministry was characterized by his compassion for all the people with whom he came in contact. He helped people in whatever way he could to find greater purpose or hope, to be physically made well, and to be restored to their family and friends. He engaged in a ministry of healing, teaching and casting out demons that drew throngs of people everywhere he went. |
The Spiritual Disciplines of Jesus |