We tackled generosity and benevolence. We said that you do not need to be rich in order to be a benevolent. Benevolence is not but a simple act of love that others need. In the journey of life, do not be selfish, but rather try to help others without waiting for their request.
The little boy stood in shame asking for money. He left his sick mother hungry and in great pain. He was torn between the dearest person to his heart, his mother and her need for money and his dignity that prevented him from begging.
While he was wrestling with ideas, a man who looked to be so rich took a glimpse on him. He approached him and asked him gently about the reason of his tears. The boy answered reluctantly: ” I can see from your luxurious clothes that you are a rich man, sir. I have never used to complain, but my parents and I have always been thankful for that life brings. However, I am so tormented and I do not know what to do as my dad has died recently and he did not leave us money for living. My mother got a job after my dad’s death, but now she is bed-ridden and I cannot afford getting her medications or food.
The man was touched by his story, patted him on his shoulder trying to hide a tear that sneaked out of his eyes and asked him about his address. The boy’s face was radiant with hope while he was walking side by side with the rich man. They stopped by a shop where the rich man bought food and asked to be delivered to the address of the boy and a torrent of joy and profound astonishment overwhelmed him. When they came to the boy’s home, the noble man told the sick mother that he was sorry that he was not a doctor so that he cannot help her ,but he wrote another paper that would be of great use then he left. The mother looked at the paper and found it was a large check, but to her amazement it was signed by the name of the US president “George Washington”.
Great people wrote their noble stories over ages and they never waited for an invitation for their heroic deeds. I recall a story of a great benevolent person who was visiting an immigrant family that was suffering from difficult circumstances that they can only afford their daily bread. He was pretending that he was preparing a meal at their kitchen just to check what they needed and buy it for them without their request.
How great are the souls that think of others and stop being egoistic in order to bring joy to the hearts due to their gracious deeds.
It is an invitation to offer love to people around us: our family, relatives, friends, acquiantces and every human being. We should offer them kind, encouraging words and support. Only few hours are remaining and a new year will begin. Let us make it a year of graciousness and benevolence toward our human brethrens and our country…to be continued
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
