many ways to give

St Ambrose gives us some very practical advice today in A Year with the Church Fathers.

He says that we can help people in need by giving to them directly. And we've discussed in previous blogs the ways that we give... mostly by respecting people's dignity and treating them like the beloved humans that they are, but also by giving them gift cards or maybe bottled water.

St Ambrose reminds us that we're not alone in the fight against poverty and despair. There are so many organizations from various affiliations that help us. Catholic groups. non denom groups, non religious groups... if we carry their business cards with us, we can easily direct those who genuinely need help to groups that are designed for just such a thing. This literally costs us nothing except a little bit of time, and can make a huge difference in people's lives.

God, please help us remember the ways in which we can help.