Thirty-Fourth Meditation

(Ascent of Mount Carmel, book III: chapter 27-29)

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. " (70)


Pure Charity

Conditions placed on charity
Decay its fruits like a disease:
The actions of the Pharisee,
Before our God -- how can they please?

Expecting praise and thanks is pride;
Ensuing judgements interfere:
The good intentions soon subside,
And ministry can't persevere.

She strives to wash her neighbor's feet,
With love for her Lord dwelling there.
Her ministry becomes complete --
She channels His love with great care.

Mercy's grace is drawn from above,
By little acts done with great love.

70. Matthew 6:1-4


(c) Paul Buis, 2003