Embracing

24. He who gives alms in imitation of God does not discriminate between the wicked and the virtuous, the just and the unjust, when providing for men’s bodily needs. He gives equally to all according to their need, even though he prefers the virtuous man to the bad man because of the probity of his intention.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #24

Have you ever stood in a field of blue bonnets in Texas?  When you look out at these wildflower you soon realize that the sun does not choose which flowers to shine upon based on their hues or stature. Instead, it generously casts its golden rays upon every blossom, every blade of grass, nurturing and illuminating them equally. Such is the essence captured by Maximus the Confessor when he speaks about divine imitation in almsgiving.

Imagine, if you will, a gentle rain shower. Each droplet descends from the heavens, indiscriminate in its purpose, eager to quench the thirst of every living thing below. It does not pause to ponder whether the land beneath it is barren or fertile, or whether the seeds sown are good or bad. Its mission is pure and simple: to nourish, to sustain, and to bring life.

This is the portrait of the person who gives alms in imitation of God, as painted by the wise words of Maximus. Such a person, in their earthly journey, becomes a mirror of divine generosity, reflecting God's unconditional love. Just as the rain does not discriminate, neither does this individual when addressing the physical needs of their fellow humans. They see hunger, they see pain, and they respond with open hands and a generous heart, unburdened by judgments or preconceived notions.

Yet, as with all things, there's depth and nuance to be uncovered. The giver, in their wisdom, recognizes and appreciates the intention behind actions. While they might admire the virtuous for the purity of their hearts and the clarity of their intentions, their gifts remain unbiased. The sustenance they provide, whether it's food, clothing, or shelter, is dispensed based on the urgency of need rather than the perceived worthiness of the recipient.

In our rapidly changing world, where judgments are often passed in haste, and divisions seem to grow wider by the day, Maximus the Confessor offers a refreshing perspective. His words are an invitation to look beyond surface-level judgments and to find that wellspring of universal love within ourselves. By giving, not just from our surplus but from a place of genuine empathy and understanding, we embrace the true spirit of almsgiving.

In the end, perhaps the most profound realization is this: in imitating the divine act of giving, we don't merely change the lives of those we aid; we transform our own hearts, making them vessels of boundless love and conduits of grace.