(The Latin “caritas” is translated into English as “love” as well as “charity.” Starting over after our Lenten almsgiving, we can take time to reflect and ask ourselves: are they really interchangeable?)
Charity shows itself in words
Love shows itself in deeds
Charity is: “I’ll see you when I can”
Love is: “every distance is not near”
Charity likes to be comfortable
Love likes to bring comfort
Charity has all the answers
Love listens for the answers
Charity hates mistakes
Love thrives in the messiness
Charity is from my surplus
Love is from my depths
Charity is for “those people”
Love is for “us”
Charity seeks the selfie
Love seeks to be present
Charity is: “I will save you”
Love is: “Your liberation is my liberation”
Charity looks for obstacles
Love finds opportunities
Charity doesn’t “see” color
Love faces reality
Charity pities the “poor”
Love knows that I too am poor
Charity can wait for tomorrow
Love always lives for today …
… because charity wants “good enough,”
And Love desires me to greatness now