the word almsgiving, which we use in our language: but this word has not been
CHAPTER 3: The Meek Those Who Hunger for Righteousness and the Merciful
the word almsgiving, which we use in our language: but this word has not been well understood. Because when we speak of giving alms, it will be without being moved by any humanity. Well, we'll give to a poor person: but it's like a ransom, or as a tribute and exaction that one would give with regret and grievance: for however there is no question that the rich person who will give of his substance, has this consideration in himself, to say, Here is a member of the body of Jesus Christ, we are all united together. So much the more we must observe, that it is not enough to provide for those who lack our help, except that we have this interior affection well rooted in our hearts: namely, we endure a part of the evil which is showing itself: and that we know, because God has bound and conjoined us together, that it is not necessary for each one to separate, not to be satisfied with his person: but that instead to be thus nonchalant, to have a good time and to be peaceful, and to feast without having any anxiety, we must extend our affections according to which the rule of charity leads us to do so. And when we see some sick, others poor, and destitute of all good, others be in some frustration and distress, whatever it may be either of the body or of the spirit: that we think, Alas, this is our body: and then afterwards we show by effect that we are merciful. For we can protest a thousand times that we have pity on those who endure: unless we help them, all our protests will be nothing. As many will say, Alas, it is great pity for this poor man: however they will turn away, and will not help him in any way: after they have said that there is great pity, there will be no one who will be moved: In short, we will see the world full of mercy, if we believe mere words: but there is only hypocrisy. As James vividly reiterates in his epistle, chap. 2. And even it is too heavy an impudence when one says, Alas, what pity! and yet no one wants to lift a finger, or even move their tongue, when it comes to helping those who are thus oppressed. It is therefore necessary first of all that we learn to be human, to have compassion for those who endure: and then that we look at the means that God has given us, and that each person uses it faithfully. But the promise is added at the same time, because we are so cowardly that it is pitiful. And also the doctrine that the Son of God announces to us here is completely contrary to our sensuality, and is very difficult for us to believe. The promise must therefore awaken us. For if only it were said that blessed are the merciful, everyone would keep the teaching at a distance: but when our Lord Jesus Christ shows us that we need mercy, even as much towards his heavenly Father as towards men: and that the true way to obtain it is for us to be merciful: when this is shown to us, it is at least an opportunity to think about ourselves more closely. And then when we begin to