Our father was given numerous presents –jackets, slacks, shirts, ties, belts, pajamas, cologne, and an array of other gifts – over years of Father’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas by my sister and I. When he passed one suit, a shirt, one pair of socks and shoes, and a belt with a small bag that contained his personal items were on a hanger in his closet. Except for the laundry ticket attached to his suit and shirt nothing more was there.

For years he explained where his important papers were and frequently reminded my sister and me of what needed to be taken care of when he passed. I really didn’t want to consider that time. Everyone must die but there was no guarantee that he would precede me in death yet my father felt the need to reiterate his directives, so reluctantly yet quietly I listened whenever he inserted the subject into our conversations.

His written will and explicit verbal instructions over the years ensured that when the time came his burial arrangements and business affairs would be settled seamlessly. We very much appreciated the effort he exerted in downsizing his closets, wardrobes, chest of drawers and furnishings so that we would not have to. Having to allot the belongings of a loved one will certainly augment an already painful experience.

My father’s sparse closet was a poignant reminder that there is much to say for the diminution of possessions while we have the strength and presence of mind to do so. There are so many in need of the clothing we have not used in the last six months (or more) or household furnishings that primarily collect dust, and it’s liberating to donate these items before we become guilty of allowing our possessions to possess us.

To care about the earth and establish the good practice of recycling is no doubt commendable; to carry that concept further by recycling our physical blessings to those in need is God-inspired. Those less fortunate depend on the generosity of God’s people to whom much has been given. It is the ultimate recycling plan, and above that, pleasing to God. But He may require more. Buying extra food and dropping it off at the thousands of missionary centers may offer a meal to an otherwise deprived person or family in these economically challenging times for many. There are hundreds of ways we can give to others; God expects us to find at least one way.

Particularly throughout the Book of Proverbs several verses remind us not to forget the poor:

Proverbs 11:4             “Wealth is useless on a day of wrath, but justice saves from death.”

Proverbs 19:17           “Whoever cares for the poor lends to the LORD, who will pay back the sum in full.”

Proverb 22:2               “Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all.”

Proverbs 22: 22-23       “Do not rob the poor because they are poor, nor crush the needy at the gate; For the LORD will defend their cause, and will plunder those who plunder them.”

Proverbs 28:8             “Whoever amasses wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for the one who is kind to the poor.”

Proverbs 28:27           “Those who give to the poor have no lack, but those who avert their eyes, many curses.”

Proverbs 29:7             “The just care for the cause of the poor; the wicked do not understand such care.”

Proverbs 31:8-9          “Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!”

Soon the Church will delegate speakers to address the annual Catholic Charities Appeal. Every weekday, on Sunday throughout the year, and on Holy Days of Obligation we are fed by the Word of God while on this one Sunday we receive a reminder of the opportunity to give generously to others while we can. The New Testament also reminds us of our duty to help God’s people who cannot help the dire straits they may find themselves facing.

John 13:34-35             “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Matthew 25:35-40      “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

Although it is disputed that the following quote was made by the man known to me as Stephen Grellet, born Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier, a former Roman Catholic turned Quaker, I kept it on my office wall for many years and still find it inspiring: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

{Thank you for spending some time with me. May God Bless you always.}