The Sainthood Challenge Day 24: Understanding and Generosity

I remember reading a book about the history of the Catholic Church and the author maintained that the Church had a very "libertarian streak" in her. At the time I was reading it I was pretty far from what could be termed a "Libertarian" but I saw the point.

There are a great many people that have been attracted to the Body of Christ because of the Generosity offered by the people in the Body. We are a very giving Church. This is seen in all of the Catholic Charities that work throughout the world, the response to disasters such as Katrina, not to mention the vast amount of mission work that has taken place throughout history.

Part of this generosity is understanding.

Why do you need to understand something in order to be generous?

It seems to me that when you are able to comprehend what is going on in a situation, or the background on a particular person, you are more likely than not going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Take an example of a conflict that you may have with someone. You are more likely going to give them the benefit of the doubt if you understand their point of view and where they are coming from.

Did they have a rough morning?

Are they in conflict with someone else?

Do they have problems in their past that they are afraid of revealing, but really need healing for?

These types of questions are very important. One of the things that is valuable about looking into our past to discover our current behaviors is that we are able to recognize how the past shapes us. When we are able to do this, we can take our perspective and turn it outward.

This is the beginning of understanding. While wisdom would be the knowledge and comprehension of the will of God, Understanding is the knowledge and comprehension of the people around you. This has been described by countless authors as "empathy." To be sad when another is sad, happy when they are happy, to share in their lives in such a profound way that their lives affect you.

We saw this with Christ who perfectly understood the sorrow of Martha and Mary at the death of Lazarus.

This understanding leads to a generosity in heart. This generosity is not merely financial, but also includes it.

Are we generous with our time?

Are we generous with our benefit of the doubt that we give to others?

Are we generous with our patience, peace, and love?

These things come from the heart and when the heart understands another, it is much more able to grasp what the other is going through and then be generous with providing what is needed to the other.

A listening ear.

An embrace.

A positive word.

A lifted prayer.

Today, seek to understand those around you, but especially those whom you have not understood. The ones who frustrate you, the ones who make you angry, the ones who try your patience.

You may be amazed at what you find.