There it sits, guarding over, reigning over the great mass of cutlery and dishes; its silver hue breaks the vinyl-plated whiteness; it stands alone in the center; the king of the table is the water pitcher. So our daily ritual begins.
“Our Father, who art in heaven…”
“Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts…”
“From the Gospel according to St Luke…”
We each sit down, grab our napkins and begin. My hand goes out to the handle on the left, but I am on the spout side, sliding over to the handle side I realize I am too slow and the other brother instead slides his hand into the handle before me. I have to admit that this time I have lost but there will always be dinner and tomorrow in this daily battle in the seminary. My only onsolation is to flip over the glasses.
The battle is the battle to pour the water for everyone else, nothing more. Of course, such a
description is probably a little more than usually goes through my mind but I think it expresses the limits we live in charity. Just imagine what any community or any family would be like if everyone had such a desire to help the others.
You have to admit, Br. Matthew, that you usually win on the first fill-up. But what really matters, Oh Yes, are the constant re-fills. I think I am ahead of you on those. 🙂
God Bless, Brother from-across-the-table
You two are funny proto-saints! 🙂
Would you offer some of those acts of charity for my family and team? God bless you!
we have those charity wars at the precandidacy in rhode island all the time… filling water glasses, opening doors, taking first serving turn, going to the kitchen during sports, and its beautiful to see the family spirit. something i realized is… its charity to accept charity… what goes on in a persons souls when the holy spirit invites them to do a act of self giving… really what a beautiful way to use our charism of charity!
So my question is; which act of charity is greater, the first fill or the re-fill? The first fill is obvious to see and a game of timing and handle position. The re-fill appears to be a matter of constant observation, looking for the first need to present itself and acting on it. I’m thinking re-fill!!!
Of course my comments are just for fun. Have a great day Brothers and continue your acts of charity in all things!
This reminds me of something I read about the Holy Family. Joseph and Mary “competed” with each other in outdoing each other in charity. They were both so full of charity that it was a wonder they could ever accept each other’s attempt because they were so busy giving it!
Ever thought of allowing the others the chance to pour water for you out of love for him? Your seminary must be great.
Matthew 6:3
Br. Matthew,
When we read the complimentary reflections (yours and “the Br across the table’s”), we just laughed, for we could see your smile and hear your laughter. Good natured fun is such a joy. Thank you for your example of charity. God Bless!
I want to thank all those who replied – I think this is a record for any of my posts.
I am not as organized some who write daily e-mails or blogs. Sometimes I am able to write a bunch one week and then I keep the extras in back-up for when I don’t have much time to write. I wrote this one before Easter when I was sitting across from a totally different brother.
I think this, the comment by Brooke from the Precandidacy, and Fr Sliney’s post this week shows how diffused the spirit of charity is in the Legion and Regnum Christi. I think this is one of the things we most need to transmit to the world.
Does anyone have another good example of charity to share?
The “other brother” read this and indicated to me personally that what I was trying to say wasn’t clear. I brought up that I wrote this a while back to unline how both he and the brother two months ago were very charitable so this wasn’t a one-time experience in the Legion. I thought that the references to Fr Sliney and our faithful precandidate further emphasized this point that charity is everywhere.
Brother, sorry for the confusion. As penance I will pour your water for the next week.
I love how my daughter Brooke calls them “charity wars”!! I also love how something so simple as pouring water for someone can arise such great thought and conversation on acts of charity. Some people may think it is all so silly but I know that these small unnoticed acts of charity are what makes God smile!
Would that we all be involved in “charity” war. God bless you all.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful insight, Brother Matthew. I can only pray that our family is steadily living that same spirit and takes it out into the world each day!