Larry’s Letter: Time and talent is your most charitable gift

We often talk about offering time, talent and treasure, with a focus on the treasure, such as donating to Catholic Charities. But what do time and talent really mean?

Here are some ideas to consider. Get involved in your parishes, in your church, in local politics. Stand up, defend life and share the love, mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ every chance you get. If not you, then who?

Can you serve dinner to the women at the Holy Rosary shelter at Samaritan House? I know that you can. We’ll provide the food. You’ve got to come down and see the love and dignity of the women you’ll be working with.

Do you know what those who are experiencing homelessness would most like to receive? Hearing their name. They may go months at a time, and no one will say their name. Can you imagine going months at a time and no one said your name?

There is nothing like giving—in order to receive. Maybe you could be a dinner companion at Marisol Homes with some of our young mothers and their children. Could you have lunch and play cards with some of our senior citizens at one of our Archdiocesan Housing properties? It sounds simple, but it’s so important.

As always, charity begins at home. I always ask parents, particularly dads, this question: Are you coaching your kids’ sports teams—or making time to show up at practice? Make sure you start practice and games with a prayer. If you bring Jesus Christ into the life of your family and the life of your children, He will come to that place, and He is never outdone in generosity. Never. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and didn’t ask how much it would cost. He’s calling us to do the same thing.

All of these simple acts will help to change our culture from one that focuses on the self, to one that considers the needs of others first. Our Lord said, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mt 10:39)

That’s the true meaning of charity.