The real gift is gratitude

I am a thirty-year-old youth, with my head on my shoulders, but with a profession that is by no means easy: I am a shop-keeper, a tradition in my family for three generations. It is not such a bad profession, but what makes me suffer is seeing myself being betrayed by people in whom I have put my trust. I will give you an example: I am part of various parish associations, and I often visit the hospital to help those who are alone, I help the disabled, to the point that those who know me are forever saying: “What a good lad he is, he does so much for those who are in need!” But then when it comes to buying something, they, instead of coming to my shop, go to others. Isn’t this a form of betrayal? I prayed greatly to the Lord so that he may help me in my work, but then maybe he has other more important things to do and he can’t waste his time with someone like me. I don’t expect a miracle from you, but rather some advice. That is if you can, if not then let it be. I will put it aside together with my other delusions.

S. T.

 

I fear that I am also going to delude you. Taking part in humanitarian and solidarity activities are admirable, but one must never forget that the characteristic of a gift is that it is free; giving without asking for anything in exchange, without expecting anything. If this is lacking, if one expects an exchange, in whatever form, it is no longer possible to speak of disinterested service. The real volunteer does not feel himself to be creditor: he does the act and then forgets it. This does not mean that it is wrong to try and make friends with your willingness, a smile; but the art of winning customers is a very different thing from doing Christian charity.