Being a "man for others" is one of the virtues being thought in the schools run under the Ignatian system by the Jesuits.I could still recall the words of my "Philosophy of Man" professor asking the basic question..."Who is my neighbor?"...then proceeded to relate the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible.
It has been ages since I left the portals of the university, and have tried my best to help other people at all times, whether family, relatives, friends or complete strangers. Helping other people brings joy to the "helper," not to mention the tangible rewards that the giver receives in return.
Let me elaborate on the rewards of giving. During my early years as a struggling rank and file employee of a telecommunications firm, I have started the practice of donating blood to the "Red Cross." This activity becomes a "habit" so to speak, considering that our company has close ties with the Red Cross and this "blood letting" activity became an annual event in the company and in my life. Even when I left the company, giving blood to others became a tradition. It has extended the life of one of my friends (who was diagnosed with Leukemia) for several months, just enough time to see his son being born and hold it in his hands, before passing away into the next life. Yet, the best reward I have received from my blood donation rituals is for my own son. Some two (2) years ago, my son was diagnosed with dengue fever and his platelet counts have dropped to dangerous levels. When I went to the Red Cross blood bank, there were several of us needing (and fighting!) for the last remaining five pieces of "Type B" platelet bags. I calmly showed my "donation card" to the blood bank staff, and she asked if somebody else who is in need of blood has the same card. Nobody else has a donation card, so I was able to get the needed 3 platelet bags for my son without a fuss, while the others continued to fight for the remaining 2 bags. When I arrived at the hospital, the platelet count of my son has already improved as if by a miracle, and he became well without a single platelet transfusion. Just the same, the bags that I brought from the Red Cross were used/given to another patient who is in need of platelets...free of charge, of course!
It seems to be a paradox, that by giving away you can receive more. Yet if you analyze it carefully, there seems to be logic in this principle. A seed, placed inside a bag or a sack, will still be a seed after several months of storage. However, throw away that same seed....in the field, and it will grow and produce a bountiful harvest of hundred or thousand times! I believe this same theory also works with money or with any other resources. I have proven it many times in my life, giving away money to help others, only to find out that God have returned it back several times more. You can never "out give" God in this regard, as He has a lot of ways of returning back what was given to Him. Yet, a lot of people are reluctant to help, very stingy in giving...but are expecting abundant returns...which is a futile idea!
There is a vast amount of blessing awaiting a cheerful giver. I have experienced it time and time again. You can share your time, your talents and skills, your money, your compassion, your prayers...just give and share...and you will see the rewards and experience the happiness that goes with it.
On the other hand, if somebody does offer to give you help in one form or another, please don't refuse...don't deny the giver the pleasure and immense joy in giving. Be grateful ... say thank you to the person and offer a thanksgiving prayer to God for providing people who are willing to help...for having persons who are "man or woman for others" all "For the Greater Glory of God!"
