Theme: Charity

The book of life

	A long time ago, in a kingdom far away from here, there was a king who was looking for an elder to be a minister of his kingdom. The king was very faithful to God and wanted to be a
good sovereign for his people. Therefore, he wanted to find someone who was lettered about the Laws of God, who lived wisely, and who could help him take care of his people.

There was a law, in the kingdom, that all significant actions that someone did must be recorded in a book. Each citizen had a book of his own life.

The king's envoys traveled throughout the kingdom for several weeks looking for people who had the required qualities for the position. Finally, two men were brought to the palace.

The king received them in the palace hall, where they presented themselves.

The books of each one's life were given to the king and the king began to look through one of them.

- I see that one of you has done many good deeds - said the admiring king - You distributed many gifts to many in need. And you did it many times.

Then one of the men, addressing to the king, said:

– Your Majesty, this is probably my book. I come from a wealthy family and have been rich all my life. Even though I lived quite comfortably, I periodically reminded myself of those who didn't have many resources and I helped them, making donations to various families and even charities several times.

- Very good! It is the Law of God that we care about those who have less than we do and practice fraternity. I'm glad you acted that way.

Seeing that he had pleased the king, the man smiled. Confident, he thought it would be difficult not to be chosen. As he had a lot of money, he did large donations. The other man could hardly have donated as much money, clothes, and food as he did.

The king then began to look through the second book, which did not have as many annotations as the first.

The second man, calm and kind-eyed, awaited the king's comments. But, with modesty, he didn't think he was in a position to compete with his colleague.

- Tell me, my good man, how your life was. Are you also rich and have you distributed part of your fortune?

- Your Majesty, I am very happy to be able to meet you personally and I would like very much to be able to serve you as a minister. Your kindness and dedication to our people is recognized and commented far from here. But unfortunately, my book doesn't have as many notes as I wish.

And he went on:

- I am an orphan, I was raised by a poor family, which took me in. From a young age I had health problems and often needed the help of others - continued the poor man.

- What do you mean? - asked the king - I see here that you organized joint efforts, made campaigns to help needy families. You worked overtime, at night and on weekends, to get money and buy medicine for sick children... You tell me you're not rich, and yet you donated to the needy.

– Yes, what is written there it is not a lie. I always did what I could, but I think it wasn't that much. I wish I had done so much more. People always need something. Sometimes material goods. Other times, attention, and affection. Every time I managed to do something for someone, I was the one who rejoiced. I know the importance of the gesture of donation, both for those who receive and for those who give. So, I wish I could have done a lot more.

Hearing those words, the king smiled in satisfaction, he had found his minister. Even giving less amounts of money and other resources, the poor man's donations were worth far more to the king than those of the rich, because the former even made sacrifices to help the next. Even poor and sick, he still found many ways to help those in need.

The rich man was a good man too, no doubt. But he donated what was left to him.

And that was how the poor man was brought to live in the palace and be the minister of the kingdom. The two got along very well and together they were able to work for the well-being of the people. And the whole kingdom was filled with abundance and happiness.

This is also the way God considers our attitudes. He doesn't expect us to do what we can't do. But, within our conditions, let us do all the good we can.

” Evangelization booklet by Editora Aliança.) 

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com