The Misused Charity Proverb

While I had already chosen my message for this month’s article, it was further reinforced when I attended Mass a few weeks ago because it gave me yet another example to discuss. I will get to that story a little later.

“Charity begins at home” is a common proverb, although not one from the Bible’s Book of Proverbs. However, in its original use, it fits very well into our Catholic dogma.

In fact, some academicians and theologians believe that the common use of this phrase originated from interpretations of Timothy 1 5:4 – “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”

The word “piety” in the original greek is eusebeó meaning to show respect. It is a form of the word eusebeia, which means “godliness” or “holiness.” The word “charity” in the original greek is “agapē” which means “love.” As Catholics, we believe that Love is God.

So, in the context of this verse, the use of the word “piety” would translate to point out that loving others needs to start with your family. Showing respect for your family and providing for their needs – over your needs – is an act of love, which is “charity.”

Even in our common vernacular of the 21^st Century, if you cannot love your family and be charitable to them, what is the likelihood that love and charity would be provided to strangers.

Ironically, this proverb is often used today for exactly the opposite meaning. Most people use and interpret this as a reason not to provide financial or emotional support to others because “charity begins at home.” Sadly, one of the stories I found to support this usage came from a priest who stated that he often hears this said to him following a direct (and even subtle) request for support for a charitable cause – used as a defense like, “you know father, even the bible says charity begins at home.”

Where Charity and Love Prevail

Perhaps you may recognize the phrase “where charity and love prevail” as a title of a song that has been recited in churches for centuries. Started initially in the 9^th century and titled Ubi Caritas, it was translated into the English with music added in the later 19^th century.

There is little doubt that charity, even with today’s definition that now often includes the concepts of comfort, assistance, and/or financial support and seldom refers to love, is alive and well within the Catholic Church.

As a quick example, Forbes Magazine reported in 2012 that Catholic Charities is “the nation’s fifth-largest charity by donations received…” at $4.9 billion.

Additionally, also in 2012, the National Catholic Reporter stated in an August 17 article that “American Catholics drop more than $8 billion every year into the Sunday collection plate, which works out to more than $150 million a week.” 

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy – which publishes an annual list of the largest charities in the U.S. – in 2010, Catholic Charities, Father Flanagan Boys Home and Covenant House each appeared in the top 400 charities.

On May 17, 2013 in the Tampa Bay Times, they calculated that if educational funding (from elementary schools to universities), hospitals, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul, and others smaller groups were included, a solid estimate would be $30 billion worth or charitable spending by Catholic organizations exists in the United States alone.

So, from one aspect, Catholics and perhaps even the U.S. population in general (assuming that some of these donations are provided by non-Catholics) are exhibiting true charity through their financial donations to Catholic Charities.

Where I See a Concern

I think all that these Catholic organizations do is absolutely fantastic. It is almost hard to realize the impact that these activities and efforts have on our society.

My concern in that last paragraph can be traced to a single word, “organizations.”

I am seeing a similarity in the manner that our society has turned the phrase “charity begins at home” into an excuse not to provide charitable assistance to others. As individuals, many Catholics and others — especially non-believers — do not see, feel, or have a sense of personal responsibility to be charitable because “others” are doing it for them. Or perhaps just as bad, since they have made a donation of cash to one of the organizations, they feel as if they have fulfilled their charitable duty.

I want to stress that this is NOT just about financial charity. It truly is the opportunity to provide time, talent, or treasure to others in need – regardless if it is financial, emotional, or physical.

Our responsibility to show charity and therefore love, is as an individual, not as a group. If our children do not see their parents and extended family exhibiting love at home and, for the purpose of this context, loving thy neighbor through individual acts of charity, are we really illustrating charity and love? Or have we abdicated this responsibility to others – even if it is through a personal donation or contribution of our own – to organizations?

To me, this sounds like another painfully common proverb, “do as I say, not as I do.”

I fear that this is perhaps having an even more detrimental impact on our secular society.

In past decades, the poor, downtrodden, and many individuals that sought help of all types, turned to faith communities. It was godly people helping people in need. This was also, in essence, an evangelical outreach. But more importantly, it was an act of charity by those who wanted and needed to help others – for the sake of those in need and also for their own salvation.

In the United States, this role started slipping away from religious institutions in the mid-20^th century. In fact, while the financial numbers shared earlier are impressive, it is not the Catholic organizations in the U.S. that are filling the largest need for charitable assistance. It is the U.S. government!

According to the Congressional Budget Office, federal spending on means-tested programs and tax credits totaled $588 billion in 2012. And, according to NETWORK, a Catholic social-justice lobbying group, the federal government sent more than $1.5 billion to Catholic organizations over a recent two-year period. In 2012, the Economist reported that 62 percent of Catholic Charities’ support came from local, state and federal government agencies. (The information from this paragraph was obtained from an article that appeared in the Tampa Bay Times, March 17, 2013.)

So, even if individuals are not contributing to charities, there is often a feeling that they are being charitable because the government is being charitable and it is using “my money.” Thus, the common excuse that I have heard is, “well I would contribute more to (fill in the blank), but I give so much tax money to the government…” 

I fear that the American society is losing an important fabric of its great identity. Catholics are not exempt.

More importantly, the number of people whose souls may enter the narrow gate is likely diminishing every day. While I do not want to pretend to be a judge, let alone “the Judge,” I believe that the number is being limited. This is not just by those that are no longer being charitable and loving to others. A huge number of recipients of this Christian charity are no longer being exposed to the great examples and messages of those that believe and follow our Lord, Jesus Christ.

As the second and third verses of the song so clearly state, “With grateful joy and holy fear God’s charity we learn; Let us with heart and mind and soul Now love God in return…And let us love each other well In Christian holiness.”