“Those that give alms only to those they consider worthy, have reason to pray that the Lord in judging them will not follow their example.”
Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) as recounted by Charles Jerome Callan in Illustrations for Sermons and Instructions (New York: Joseph Wager, 1916) 309.
Lest we think we are capable of judging who is worthy and unworthy of our aid, Teresa reminds us of the implications of such a judgment. Let us instead err on the side of gracious generosity.