Pope Benedict's ..Lessons on Love

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seabird3579

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After finally getting the chance to read all the way through Pope Benedict’s first encyclical on God is Love, something struck me and made me wonder. He pointed out that real love has to do with helping others without expecting something in return…including doing for others without prostyletizing (sp). There shouldn’t be a “purpose” to our love. It should only be concerned with the other, not seeking a reward for ourselves.

After thinking about that, I thought, wow, so much of “charity” in America is wrapped up with “personal recognition” for the giver or the Corporation that “gives” to the less fortunate. Not all, but many like to be Known for the good that they do. It occurred to me that even the “tax breaks” that we get are a “recognition” for the good that we do.

I wonder, have we (collectively as a Society) sacrificed our reward in heaven by “announcing” the good that we do and getting “recognition” for it here and now?

IF, spiritually we have done this or are doing it, what will it take to turn this country around spiritually on that point. Much of it is wrapped up with the “reward” of money. It is so ingrained in our tax system, I doubt many would give it up voluntarily. :whistle:
 
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seabird3579:
After thinking about that, I thought, wow, so much of “charity” in America is wrapped up with “personal recognition” for the giver
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New Advent has an interesting bit on vain glory.
 
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contemplative:
New Advent has an interesting bit on vain glory.
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Very good article, contemplative, it really makes you think. As much as I detest those who seek the limelight and “vainglory” of others for Giving, I think I believe it is still **not ** a mortal sin. The reason I believe that is because I truly believe most people don’t realize just how insidious it is, and many assume that if it’s legal, it’s moral. We all know that’s not true. But many do not.

In order to be a mortal sin, they have to know it’s a mortal sin, they have to want to do it, and they have to do it.

Pope Benedict has done a lot to ‘enlighten’ those of us, previously just disgusted by it, to realize that Love is done without expectation of reward. Including monetary reward.

Thanks for your comments,
Brenda
 
Is Pope Benedict’s first encyclical on God is Love available to read on line?
 
Love_2B_an_EM:
Is Pope Benedict’s first encyclical on God is Love available to read on line?
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Yes, thanks to Fidelis, he has linked it under his post, “The Pope’s First Encyclical - New Thread”

Check the new posts for today, I tried to bring it forward.
 
Here is the link

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

I really agree with your insights on this seabird. It is so outside our mindsets to do things just because they are the right thing to do. Jesus certainly made it clear though that those who do things for recognition have already received their reward, and that we should be doing our good works in private, “not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing.”

Thanks for bringing this up for the pondering! It’s a reminder most, if not all of us need. 👍

Peace,
 
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