For though it be true that all those deeds before said be good in themselves, yet are they common to good men and to bad, for every man may do them if that he would and have wherewith. And for thee to do that which every man may do, I hold it no mastery; but to love thy neighbour in charity and hate his sin can no man do, save only good men, who have it by the gift of God and not by their own travail, as St Paul saith: Love and charity is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given to you. And, therefore, it is more precious and more dainty to come by. All other good deeds without this make not a man good nor worthy of the bliss of heaven, but this alone, and only this, maketh a man good and all his good deeds to be medeful. All other gifts of God and works of man are common to good and bad, to the chosen and the reprobate; but this gift of charity is proper only to good and chosen souls. (John Climacus)

The gospel lesson on Sunday in many churches was the story of the Good Samaritan, told by Jesus in answer to the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

Over the weekend and on Monday I was in New York. I passed many panhandlers. I edged away from them, did not look at them, did not give them cash.

I did not love them. I certainly did not act with charity, in any meaning of the word. This is how I respond to the clearest need. I do even less for those in Haiti, Sudan, or down the road.

The image is of the Good Samaritan by Ferdinand Hodler.