CHARITABLE WORKS AND SOCIAL AID

8. While every activity of the apostolate should find in charity its origin and driving force, certain works are of their nature a most eloquent expression of this charity; and Christ has willed that these should be signs of his messianic mission (cf. Mt. 11:4-5).

The greatest commandment of the law is to love God with one's whole heart and one's neighbour as oneself (cf. Mt. 22:37- 40). Christ has made this love of the neighbour his personal commandment and has enriched it with a new meaning when he willed himself, along with his brothers, to be the object of this charity saying: "When you showed it to one of the least of my brothers here, you showed it to me" (Mt. 25:40). In assuming human nature he has united to himself all humanity in a supernatural solidarity which makes of it one single family. He has made charity the distinguishing mark of his disciples, in the words: "By this will all men know you for my disciples, by the love you bear one another" (Jn. 13:35).

In the early days the Church linked the "agape" to the eucharistic supper, and by so doing showed itself as one body around Christ united by the bond of charity. So too, in all ages, love is its characteristic mark. While rejoicing at initiatives taken else where, it claims charitable works as its own mission and right. That is why mercy to the poor and the sick, and charitable works and works of mutual aid for the alleviation of all kinds of human needs, are held in special honour in the Church.[3]

Today these activities and works of charity have become much more urgent and world-wide, now that means of communication are more rapid, distance between men has been more or less conquered, people in every part of the globe have become as members of a single family. Charitable action today can and should reach all men and all needs. Wherever men are to be found who are in want of food and drink, of clothing, housing, medicine, work, education, the means necessary for leading a truly human life, wherever there are men racked by misfortune or illness, men suffering exile or imprisonment, Christian charity should go in search of them and find them out, comfort them with devoted care and give them the helps that will relieve their needs. This obligation binds first and foremost the more affluent individuals and nations [4]

If this exercise of charity is to be above all criticism, and seen to be so, one should see in one's neighbour the image of God to which he has been created, and Christ the Lord to whom is really offered all that is given to the needy. The liberty and dignity of the person helped must be respected with the greatest sensitivity.

Purity of intention should not be stained by any self-seeking or desire to dominate.[5] The demands of justice must first of all be satisfied; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity. The cause of evils, and not merely their effects, ought to disappear. The aid contributed should be organized in such a way that beneficiaries are gradually freed from their dependence on others and become self- supporting.

The laity should therefore highly esteem, and support as far as they can, private or public works of charity and social assistance movements, including international schemes. By these channels effective help is brought to individuals and nations in need. They should collaborate in this with all men of good will.[6]