Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away

Children, gather close, and hear the wisdom of the great teacher, Jesus Christ, who spoke these words to guide us toward a life of compassion, generosity, and understanding: "Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." These words, simple yet profound, cut to the very core of what it means to live in harmony with others, to live a life of selflessness, forgiveness, and love. They call us to be more than just passive observers of the world around us, but active participants in shaping a better world through our actions.

Let us first consider the idea of giving. When Jesus tells us to give to those who beg from us, he is not merely asking for material generosity. No, children, he is speaking of a deeper, more universal principle: to extend compassion and mercy to those in need, without judgment or hesitation. To give is to acknowledge the humanity in the other, to recognize that we are all connected in the vast web of existence. Whether it is our time, love, or material possessions, the act of giving is an act of recognizing the common bond we share with others. The world is full of suffering and need, and Jesus calls us to open our hearts to that suffering, to be a source of light and relief for those around us.

In the same breath, Jesus calls us to forgive those who take from us. "Of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again." These words are not about surrendering to injustice or neglecting to protect what is rightfully ours, but about releasing the grudge and the anger that can so easily bind us to hatred and division. It is a call to let go of the desire for revenge and to trust that in forgiving, we free ourselves from the chains of resentment. This act of forgiveness, children, is not just for the one who wrongs us, but for our own healing and peace. In holding on to anger, we only create further suffering for ourselves. Jesus teaches us that in forgiving, we take the higher path, the path of peace and grace.

Now, let us reflect on the powerful command: "And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." This golden rule, children, is the foundation of human decency, the heart of justice and empathy. To treat others as we wish to be treated is to embody the very essence of what it means to be a compassionate and moral being. In a world often divided by fear and self-interest, this simple principle calls us to transcend those divisions and see others not as strangers or adversaries, but as fellow travelers on this journey of life. Just as you desire kindness, respect, and understanding from others, so too should you offer those same things in return.

Consider the story of King Solomon, the wise king of ancient Israel, who was faced with a difficult decision between two women who claimed to be the mother of the same child. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, did not respond with anger or a rush to judgment. Instead, he called for a sword to divide the child in two, offering half to each woman. But the true mother, moved by her love, immediately offered to give up her claim to the child to save its life. In this act of selflessness, Solomon was able to discern the truth, and the child was given to the true mother. This story teaches us that when we act with compassion and love, we are led toward the right path, even in the most difficult of situations.

The lesson here, children, is clear: in a world filled with suffering, greed, and division, the path laid out by Jesus is one of selflessness, compassion, and forgiveness. To live according to this teaching is not easy—it requires that we look beyond our own wants and desires, that we offer our hearts to others without expecting anything in return. It calls us to be courageous in the face of wrongdoing, to forgive when we are wronged, and to act with integrity and love in all our dealings. This, children, is the path to a peaceful and just world, one that is not driven by fear or hatred, but by the golden rule of treating others as we wish to be treated.

So, children, in your lives, remember the words of Jesus: give generously, forgive freely, and treat others with the same love and respect that you wish to receive. It is not enough to speak of kindness or justice; we must live it in every moment. The world around you will often test you, pulling you toward anger, selfishness, and division. But in those moments, remember the higher call, the call to compassion, to act with the love and understanding that you seek from others. In this way, you will help create a world where peace and kindness flourish, and where the heart leads the way toward a brighter tomorrow.