CHARITABLE ACTION IS A WITNESS TO THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 16, 1999 (VIS) - Following the Mass for the World Day of Charity, and before reciting the Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul reflected on the work of all those involved in charitable action, humanitarian aid and volunteerism.
He especially referred to "those great Catholic aid organizations which, with notable efforts, seek to fight the misery present in the world. Others represent that immense group of volunteers who, in many parts of the world, freely dedicate themselves to serving their neighbor. In the cases of natural disasters, emergency situations, wars and illnesses, large numbers of men and women, in a spirit of generous altruism, take care of those in difficulty and dedicate time and energy to them, in the image of the Good Samaritan."

"What is the specific contribution that Christians are called to offer?" the Holy Father asked. "They ... know how to give witness everywhere and with every possible means to the supreme commandment of love: 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, ... and with all your mind, and with all your strength. ... You shall love your neighbor as yourself'."

"When it remains faithful to the mandate and example of Christ," the Pope pointed out, "the Christian's charitable action becomes the proclamation of and witness to Christ who gives His life, heals the hearts of men, cures the wounds caused by hatred and sin, and brings joy and peace to all."

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