Tuesday, October 15 : Saint Bernadine of Siena

Did I not teach you that alms are done with heart, words and works? You will never have an excuse in this: when you see the need for the poor, you are required to have compassion with your heart. When you go to the hospital and cannot cure the infirm’s sentence, at least grant him the alms of the heart: take pity on him. And you can give him another, which may be more valuable to him: speech. By the good of two words, you will lighten his pain. You will never be excused in this omission. In any state or condition that you see the unfortunate, you can console him. It pleases so much the poor, this alms of the Word, that as soon as you speak he is comforted and calmed. Listen to the holy scriptures: “Doesn’t dew not refresh the burning wind ?” (Daniel 3:49). Do you remember the feeling you experience in the time of the great heat, when you find an abundant dew in the morning? Likewise sometimes, when, unable to assist the miserable by the goods of this world, you support him through your words; It seems to be refreshing and consoling, although you have not relieved him of its material necessity. -But if he is deaf, how will I send him these alms? – You are not for that excused: you can at least sew his clothes, help him dress, warm him, and help according to your means. Who will be exempt from sympathizing with the needy? Person. See in the exodus (cf. ex 23.5): you are ordered if you see a donkey falling, even that of your enemy, to help to raise it. If you are required to help your enemy’s donkey, what will it be for the prisoner? You have no excuse before God not to assist him! Give your alms in joy.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team