To give, to give oneself
The man is Called to give of his riches and of himself, to do almsgiving to the poor, following the example of Jesus, and just as God gives sustenance and gives Himself.
In "The Gospel as It Was Revealed to Me"
- Those who have given the most are those who have forgotten themselves the most. Forgetting oneself is a difficult thing.[1]
- (Joanna of Kouza) "I am a Woman, but more manly than he (Judas) at your service. I serve you because I love you, not to receive honors from You. If tomorrow, because of You, I lost my riches, the love of my husband, and even my freedom and life, I would love you even more because then I would only have You to love and to love me."[2]
- Giving is better than receiving because it obliges God who is just to give a greater reward to the one who had mercy.[3]
In Foundational Christian Texts
In the Bible
- He stripped Himself until death on the cross, He allowed Himself to be counted among criminals, He took upon Himself the faults of the human masses, and He interceded confessing the guilty.[4]
- Therefore, grant him a loan, and grant it to him generously. Because of this generosity, the Lord your God will bless you in all you undertake. There will always be poor in your country, which is why I command you to be generous toward your unfortunate and poor fellow citizens.[5]
- Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh, who delights greatly in observing His precepts! His offspring will be strong on the earth, the race of the just will be blessed. He has well-being and riches in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. The light arises in the Darkness for the upright, for he who is merciful, compassionate and just. Blessed is the man who exercises mercy and lends: in justice he prevails. For he will never be shaken; the just will leave an eternal memory. He does not fear bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in Yahweh. His heart is unwavering; he does not fear until he sees his Enemies defeated. He sows Almsgiving, he gives to the needy; his righteousness endures forever, his horn is exalted with glory. The wicked see and are irritated; they gnash their teeth and are consumed by envy: the desire of the wicked shall perish.[6]
- I tell you, the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows abundantly will also reap abundantly. Each one must give as he has decided in his Heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion; for "God loves a cheerful giver." He is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work, just as it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness.[7].
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- The end does not justify the means.[8]
- The practice of prayer, fasting and Almsgiving.[9]
- The works of mercy.[10]