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If They Aren't Against You, They're (Maybe) With You

One of the things I find irritating is "fake help". Every day you hear stories about supposed charities that are nothing more than a way for the organizers to skim the donations of those who are committed to the cause.  To me, there is nothing more vile than someone who enriches themselves in such a way.

The truth, however, is that some of this fake help is much more nuanced than the public understands. For example, I get a weekly envelop from a certain veteran's charity that solicit funds and offers "gifts" in return for my donations. Well, if I was sincere about the cause why would I expect a gift?  If I took the gift did I give the money for the gift or because I wanted to support the cause? It's a tricky situation at times.  Frankly, I have stopped giving any money to those who offer gifts. It seems insincere to me.

Now consider Jesus' thoughts on the subject, which is contained in today's (10/1) Gospel reading from St. Luke. When his disciples tell him that someone is driving out demons in his name they expect him to be upset. But he's not.  He actually tells them something that has been used by others throughout history:

 "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." (LK 9:50).  

So in the case of the charity described above, it would be up to you to decide if that charity was for or against the cause. I would submit to you that unless you can verify exactly what that money will be used for you should not contribute.

This is especially true of veterans organizations. Unless you can verify that funds that are collected are going to services and not to enrich someone personally, don't support them.  If it doesn't provide health care, housing,  or food you should be very skeptical.  In other words, being "for you" is easy to say, so you have to "trust but verify" every single time.

As a Catholic you can be assured that if the Church is involved then it has been fully vetted by your pastor and - in some cases - by your Diocese.  The Church is always for you, and always has been. The blessings it bestows are genuine and generous.  It's always there when you need it.

God bless you.

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