Life of excess?

[JackVk]

I’ve lived a very blessed childhood, and I thank God for it. I live in a nice town with a loving family, I got a great education, I have a nice car, and we always have plenty to eat.

However, I can’t help but feel guilty about it. Some 20 miles away, in downtown KC, there are homeless people eating out of dumpsters and sleeping with newspapers as blankets. There is starvation abroad as well, in Africa, North Korea, etc. I feel like that is my fault, which would automatically make me a spoiled, overfed brat, which I know I’m not. I try to be charitable at every opportunity I can get. What can I do.

 

[Newbie2]

Use the energy that you’re currently spending on worrying about it to pray for the poor. While you’re at it, ask the Almighty if he’d like you to do more or something different to help them out.

 

[Elizium23]

Have you considered becoming a Vincentian? The Saint Vincent dePaul Society could always use great volunteers like you, and they are willing to train you. Look for a chapter in your area, most parishes have one. Or you can volunteer in a nearby kitchen, feeding the poor. St. Vincent dePaul runs some of those, too!

 

[Adam1986]

I’ve lived a very blessed childhood, and I thank God for it. I live in a nice town with a loving family, I got a great education, I have a nice car, and we always have plenty to eat.

However, I can’t help but feel guilty about it. Some 20 miles away, in downtown KC, there are homeless people eating out of dumpsters and sleeping with newspapers as blankets. There is starvation abroad as well, in Africa, North Korea, etc. I feel like that is my fault, which would automatically make me a spoiled, overfed brat, which I know I’m not. I try to be charitable at every opportunity I can get. What can I do.

Having a nice car and something to eat is not a life of excess. It’s a normal life.

You say you try to be charitable at every opportunity. That’s great, but since you feel guilty, are you sure you really are trying at every opportunity?

Do you give food to the poor every week?
Do you sometimes go with a cheaper food alternative to give even more food to the poor? Ex. Instead of filet mignon; you choose a T-bone steak.
Do you help out at your local soup kitchen?
Do you choose to buy cheaper clothes, maybe from Target, sometimes so you can give more to the poor?
Do you give as much money as you can possibly afford to charities?

Things like that. Sorry if I’m coming across as a little high and mighty; I’m just trying to give you examples.