Summary of the Morrow's Meditation
We will meditate tomorrow upon an eighth characteristic of charity, which is benevolence, and we shall see: 1st, in what this benevolence consists; 2nd, the reasons which render it obligatory on us. We will then make the resolution: 1st, to endeavor to make all who surround us happy, and to endeavor always to give pleasure to our neighbor; 2nd, to forget ourselves to the point of making the joys of another our joys, his troubles our troubles. Our spiritual nosegay shall be the words of the Apostle: "Let every one please his neighbor unto good" (Rom. xv. 2).
Meditation for the Morning
Let us adore Our Lord Jesus Christ teaching us by His apostle to love one another reciprocally as brethren, and to be full of amiable intentions towards one another (I. Pet. i. 22). Let us thank Him for such loving advice, and let us propose to ourselves to profit by it.
FIRST POINT
Characteristics of Christian Benevolence.
This benevolence, as the name itself indicates, consists in wishing all kinds of good things to our neighbor, to obtain for him, in fact, all the good things we can, and in this manner, as far as is possible, to make all those who surround us happy. St. Paul, in his first epistle to the Corinthians (I. Cor. xiii. 4, et seq.), admirably describes the characteristics of this benevolent charity. Charity, he says, is patient and gentle, full of reserve and of circumspection, that it may offend no one; it never speaks harshly, or answers with bitterness, or demands arrogantly. Far from being jealous or envious, it wishes others all possible happiness, and does not rejoice any less in their success than in its own advantages. Far from wounding others from caprice or bad temper, it proceeds in everything with a wisdom and a moderation which arranges for the best all that has to be arranged. Far from giving offence by pretentiousness, it is full of deference, and is the first to give honor to whom honor is due. It has so little ambition and cares so little for its own interests that it forgets itself and finds its happiness in whatever advantages others possess over it. Whatever may be the displeasure which is caused to it, it is obliging towards every one, and thinks only of the evil which might have been inflicted upon it. It is filled with joy when it sees its brethren making progress in virtue, and it is a great grief to it to see any one under the empire of vice. It endures everything rather than be wanting in kindness in the smallest things; it believes all the good it can of its neighbor, and has no difficulty in deferring to the opinions of others. Always ready to judge its brethren favorably, it never despairs of the reformation of any sinner whatever. Lastly, rather than be the occasion of discomfort to others, it cheerfully bears all kinds of burdens without even complaining or allowing its fatigue to be perceived. Let us examine ourselves as to whether we possess all these characteristics of Christian benevolence.
SECOND POINT
The Reasons which render Benevolence a Law incumbent on us.
Our neighbor is a child of God. Now let us suppose that a great monarch has confided to us the care of his child, the heir to his throne, conjuring us to be prodigal of good offices towards him, and promising to recognize them by all the munificence in his power, and even by a throne, with what zeal and kindness should we not treat such a child! Now a child of God is very different from the child of a monarch; heavenly recompenses are very different from all earthly recompenses, and very preferable to all thrones.
Our neighbor is a living image of Jesus Christ, another Jesus Christ, so much so that Our Lord counts as done to Himself what is done to the very least of His children. Now what benevolence is there not due to this adorable Saviour?
We ought to love our neighbor as Jesus Christ loved us (John xiii. 34; xv. 12). Now what was the benevolence of Jesus Christ towards us?
We ought to act towards others as we would wish they should act towards ourselves. Our hearts have need of kindness. If we had all we could wish for, we should be unhappy if we were surrounded by persons who were unkind to us; whilst, on the contrary, if we were in need of a great many things, kind hearts full of delicate attentions would console us in our troubles.
Lastly, if we are kind to others they will be kind to us; our kindness will gain their hearts, and divine charity will embellish our existence with its sweetest charms. Let us examine our conscience; have we this spirit of benevolence towards our neighbor? Do we feel pleasure in obliging him every time that an opportunity presents itself, and do we seize upon it with all our heart?
Resolutions and spiritual nosegay as above.