Manna… and Men…

“If the end of society is to produce the largest number of free human spirits, of generous human hearts, of strong human hands, of pure human homes, of noble human lives,” said an old source, “if it is to open the door to the boy and girl whose feet are eager to climb. . .then let us reverently thank God that we were born in an age and [time] in which it is our supreme good not to be ‘ministered unto but to minister'”not only to get, but to give.

As we think of all the needs of all people of those who have been denied the great gift of freedom, or even food enough, or the privilege of learning; denied even the simples literacy, so-called denied even learning to read and write when we think of the problems, the sorrows, and the needs, we may know how good it is to have been blessed with the opportunity for giving service, for giving substance, and for giving ourselves. And when we pray for others, may God help us in part to answer our own prayers through our own earnest efforts for He works many miracles and blessings by means of men.

Manna from heaven may come under some circumstances, but help from the hands of other men blesses both giver and receiver and is not necessarily costly; for it may be so simple, yet so great a gift, as counsel or companionship, or comfort, or the giving of talent or a little time, or simply showing an honest interest in others that makes them feel they are not alone in life. These sometimes are among the greatest gifts.

“Then shall the King say unto them . . . Come, ye blessed of my Father . . .For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. . .Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? . . . or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these. . . ye have done it unto me.”