Choose a topic from Part 2B:

81. Beneficence

1. Beneficence is doing good to another. It is an act ofcharity or friendship.

2. We are bound to exercise beneficence, for we areobligated to "do good to all men." St. Paul (Gal. 6:10)indicates this fact when he points out beneficence as our lifelongduty: "While we have time, let us do good to allmen."

3. The opportunity of actually exercising beneficence forthe benefit of all mankind is not given to many. We have the duty,then, of exercising beneficence towards those who are about us, tothose who are more closely united to us.

4. Beneficence, like good will, is an act of charity; itis not a special virtue in itself.

"Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor. No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

* * *

"God speaks to us without ceasing by his good inspirations."
The Cure D'Ars

* * *

"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come."
Thomas á Kempis

* * *