The greatest act of charity the world has ever known is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who freely and willingly offered Himself for us on the Cross.

Christ’s redeeming love is the true measure of charity. Charity is a heart that sees Christ in our neighbor. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can, like Christ, make a sincere gift of ourselves to others.

Charity is that priceless gift placed by God in the human soul to measure man’s allegiance to his Creator. Charity is a duty, not a courtesy. It is an obligation imposed by Heaven upon rich and poor alike.

Charity moves the heart to comfort and console, advise and instruct, bear and forgive. In God and with God, we love even those we do not know. This is the charity that evangelizes. This is the charity that gladdens the heart.

They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

(Gospel for Sept. 19, Mk 9:34-35)

Naturally, in every good undertaking — whether doing one’s job, helping another or playing a sport — we ought to strive for excellence, for greatness. But here, Jesus gives that thinking a twist: If we want to be great in the kingdom of heaven, we must embrace humility and become servants. We must not seek headlines, but rather give of ourselves for the sake of others, for the common good.

My brothers, let us forgo seeking earthly glory in favor of being selfless “team players” in building the kingdom of heaven. Questions for Reflection: Do you seek personal
glory at the expense of others? Do you put your gifts at the service of God and your neighbor, or do you use them primarily to achieve praise and gain in this life? What is one concrete act you can do to grow in humility and give of yourself to others?

August 2021 Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

This month, I challenge you to pray every day as an individual or as a family, asking the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney to live in a
more prayerful home. Questions for Reflection: Do you maintain good and regular habits of prayer in your home?

Where is there room for improvement in your family prayer life? What is one specific thing you could do to deepen your own prayer life?