In the first centuries of Christianity
pagans said about Christians:
“See how they love each other.”
The love for God and neighbour
was the characteristic
of the first Christians.
This love was expressed
through the daily practice
of the Works of Mercy.
To feed the hungry,
to clothe the naked,
to shelter the homeless,
to instruct the ignorant
at a personal sacrifice
was considered
by the first Christians
as the right thing to do.
Surplus goods were considered
to be superfluous,
and therefore to be used
to help the needy members
of the Mystical Body.
