“Let Christian kindness overflow in you, dearly beloved. As you desire the recurring seasons of the year to be filled with fruit, so let your hearts be generous in feeding the poor. Assuredly, God…could produce the necessary materials for them, since all things are his. He could distribute so much goods to them that they would need nothing from your generosity. Much of the matter of virtue would be lacking to them and to you, if their want did not drive them to the crown of patience or your abundance lead you to the glory of compassion. Divine Providence has wonderfully arranged it that there should be in the church both holy poor and good rich people, who in turn benefit each other from their very diversity. In order for the eternal and incorruptible rewards to be gained, those receiving give thanks to God, and those distributing give thanks to God, for as it is written,…”the patience of the poor will not perish forever,” and “God loves a cheerful giver.”
Leo the Great (400-461), Pope and Doctor of the Church, Sermon 89.6.1. cf. Psalm 9:18; 2 Cor 9:7. FC 93:378. ACCS.P1-50:85.