The Cost Of Being Catholic
Nowadays, “charity” conjures up various images, some of which are quite distant from everyday life. Consider the “nonprofit sector”—or government welfare programs.
Others images are more immediate—soup kitchens, or Salvation Army kettles.
But charity—caritas—is actually a supernatural virtue. As Saint Paul puts it, “now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” True charity—Christian charity is a gift, bestowed by the grace of God.
Christ calls all men to perfect charity—“Be ye perfect, even as my heavenly Father is perfect.” But fallen man can only strive after it.
Non-Christians are called to charity as well. The natural law inclines all men to exercise good will towards one another, even strangers. This is a virtue—a natural one. Aristotle calls it eunoia, acting with the good of others—the common good—in mind. Grace perfects what is in nature. So Christian charity perfects what we are already called on to do “by nature.”
But Aristotle also points out that an act cannot be virtuous unless it is truly voluntary. Clearly, an act of personal generosity qualifies under that definition; but does a government program?
..........................
Read more: www.crisismagazine.com
Others images are more immediate—soup kitchens, or Salvation Army kettles.
But charity—caritas—is actually a supernatural virtue. As Saint Paul puts it, “now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” True charity—Christian charity is a gift, bestowed by the grace of God.
Christ calls all men to perfect charity—“Be ye perfect, even as my heavenly Father is perfect.” But fallen man can only strive after it.
Non-Christians are called to charity as well. The natural law inclines all men to exercise good will towards one another, even strangers. This is a virtue—a natural one. Aristotle calls it eunoia, acting with the good of others—the common good—in mind. Grace perfects what is in nature. So Christian charity perfects what we are already called on to do “by nature.”
But Aristotle also points out that an act cannot be virtuous unless it is truly voluntary. Clearly, an act of personal generosity qualifies under that definition; but does a government program?
..........................
Read more: www.crisismagazine.com
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario