Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business! … Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!
― The remorseful ghost of Marley, A Christmas Carol
A few months ago, a CBC article caught my eye: “Canadians a charitable lot despite economic woes”. Though this title implies that we owe ourselves a pat on the back, I was frankly shocked at the numbers I found therein. Contrary to the CBC’s opinion, it appeared to me that we are woefully remiss when it comes to sharing our wealth. Nor is this a matter of small moment: Christian tradition would condemn us in surprisingly strong language.
