March 28th, 2025

Author: Jay Miller

The recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand has left devastation in its wake. Countless people have lost their lives, and communities are in ruins. In times of crisis, the Christian response must be one of charity and solidarity. This is not a modern innovation. From the Church's beginning, the Fathers stressed the importance of almsgiving and helping those in need. Their wisdom can guide us in responding to this tragedy with faith and action.

The Early Church’s Response to Crisis

The Church Fathers taught that people express true faith through works of mercy, particularly in times of disaster.

• John Chrysostom reminded his flock that wealth is meant for the benefit of all, not just the few. He famously declared: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life.” His sermons urged the faithful to open their homes and hearts to the suffering, seeing Christ in the afflicted.

• During a time of plague and persecution, Cyprian of Carthage urged Christians to show their love and set themselves apart. He believed suffering was a chance for the Church to shine. “Our compassion and humanity should show so clearly that even pagans will say: ‘See how they love one another!’”

• Ambrose of Milan likewise argued that the Church should use its resources to care for those in need. He encouraged the sale of church valuables to support the suffering, stating: “The Church possesses gold not to hoard, but to redeem the lost.”

Almsgiving as a Path to Holiness

Charitable giving is not only an act of social responsibility; the Fathers taught that it is integral to spiritual growth.

• Augustine of Hippo warned us not to cling to material wealth. He believed that giving to others is a key part of justice. He said, “Find out how much God has given you and take what you need; the rest is needed by others.””

• Clement of Alexandria encouraged Christians to view wealth as a gift from God meant for the service of others. He wrote: “Riches, then, which benefit our neighbors, are not to be thrown away, but used.” This perspective helps modern Christians see charity not as a burden, but as an opportunity to fulfill God’s will.

• Leo the Great emphasized that through almsgiving, we imitate Christ’s own generosity: “What is given to the poor is given to Christ.” His words remind us that charity is not merely a humanistic endeavor but a divine mandate.

How We Can Help Today

Following the example of the Fathers, we must act swiftly and compassionately:

• Donate to Relief Efforts: Groups like Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Australia help those in need. Financial contributions help provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to survivors.

• Pray for Others: Like early Christians, we should support victims with our personal and communal prayers.

• Promote a Giving Culture: Share with friends, family, and your parish the value of helping those in need. As Ambrose taught, charity should not be occasional but a lifestyle.

Conclusion

The wisdom of the Church Fathers reminds us that our faith calls us to action. Let’s respond to the suffering from this earthquake like early Christians did. We can give, pray, and stand together in support. In doing so, we fulfill Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves and bear witness to the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it.

Let us close with a prayer for those in need:

Heavenly Father, look with mercy upon those who suffer from disaster. Comfort the grieving, heal the wounded, and strengthen those who work tirelessly to bring relief. Inspire in us a spirit of generosity, that we may share our blessings with those in need. May Your love shine through our actions, bringing hope to the afflicted. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.