From Psalm 112, used as the Psalm in Wednesday’s daily Mass readings:
Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who takes great delight in his commandments…
Openhanded he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm forever…*
Paul quotes the second line in his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 9:9) as he encourages them to support the collection for the oppressed church in Jerusalem. “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord” is not a matter of “fear” as we commonly think of it. It is a matter of great respect and awe in the presence of One who is great far, far beyond all worldly greatness. And it is joy to realize this Greatest One is most pleased with liberality towards those in need. That not only calls us to responsibility, to acting in such a way that we are aligned with the overall call and purpose of this Universe as created by God, it is also a reassurance of his support for us when we find ourselves in need.
“Needs” go far beyond physical wants, of course. We can learn to be openhanded in many ways. A supporting, forgiving, inviting word may be a feast for hungers other than physical ones.
*Translation from The Abbey Psalms and Canticles, approved by the bishops for Morning and Evening Prayer.