It’s Ash Wednesday — a time to reflect on our motivations for responding to the cries of the less fortunate - Daily Bible Reflections February 18,2015

ASH WEDNESDAY   DONOR FATIGUE   “when you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you…” – Matthew 6:2          At the wake of killer typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, media as well as various organizations called for donations for relief and rehabilitation of the victims.        My friend belongs to various organizations that solicited donations, so she gave in cash and in kind to all of them. Four weeks after the calamity, she said, “I am already experiencing donor fatigue!”        Donor fatigue happens when a person who has given to charities gets tired of giving, or when an organization known for helping the needy slows down in responding to calls for donations.        My friend, however, wasn’t really suffering from donor fatigue. She was actually glowing with happiness as she had been able to give all she could to the victims of the worst disaster ever to hit our country.        I asked her, “How much have you given so far?”        “Secret,” she grinned, from ear to ear.        She’s been reading the Bible, so I knew she was referring to today’s Gospel exhortation: If you are to give to the needy, do it in secret. Cynthia U. Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)   Reflection: It’s Ash Wednesday — a time to reflect on our motivations for responding to the cries of the less fortunate.   Lord, this Lenten season, cleanse me, change me, that I may love You and Your people without condition.   Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us.