4Real Forums: Charity

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: Charity

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Christine
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Joined: March 23 2006
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 12:57pm \| IP Logged

Our pastor often says, "Always assume the best about others." I have also heard him pray for an increase in charity among his parishioners. I think that these ideas go hand in hand and are inherent in living true Christian lives. With this in mind, how can we foster charity in our families?

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Christine
Mommy to 4 girls, 5 boys, & 2 in God's care
Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
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hylabrook1
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 2:42pm \| IP Logged

Great question, Christine!
One way, I think, is to model charity. If someone is complaining about someone else, acknowledge that the person telling the story is angry or frustrated or whatever, but at the same time mention that the person who upset them was probably having a bad day, or that there must have been something going on that we don't know about. Not that this should open the door to speculation about that person, but to recognize that we DON'T know, so we shouldn't think *ugly* thoughts. Also, if someone has annoyed us, don't grumble about them.
Man alive - these things take a lot of self-discipline, don't they?

Peace,
Nancy

Servant2theKing
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Posted: April 22 2010 at 4:28pm \| IP Logged

Lately, we've been reading about the general judgment in the "Explanation of the Baltimore Catechism". When we consider the incredible fact that oneday we will all be aware of the details of one another's lives, it can actually help us foster charity here and now... contemplating God's immense Wisdom and Mercy in allowing us to know all the hidden details and particulars which may have influenced everyone's actions during this life, can actually help us consider such things, here and now. It is SO much easier to be charitable when we consider that souls around us, who lash out or seem uncharitable, may in fact be hurting or struggling, certainly deserving of our love and understanding. Within the family, kindly pointing out uncharitable acts, reminding one another that our goal is to be more like Christ, can help foster the loving behavior Christine's wonderful pastor is exhorting his flock to practice. Sounds like a truly holy priest. Thank you for bringing up this grace-filled topic.

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