A Cup of Cold Water?

Baron Edmond Benjamin De Rothschild was one of the richest men who ever lived. And there is a legend about the Baron that has a lesson for each one of us.

Legend has it that Baron De Rothschild once posed before an artist, dressed as a beggar. While the artist, Ary Scheffer, was painting him, the financier sat before him in rags and tatters holding a tin cup. A friend of the artist entered, and the baron was so well disguised that he was not recognized. Thinking he was really a beggar, the visitor dropped a coin into the cup.

Ten years later, the man who gave the coin to Rothschild received a letter containing a bank order for 10,000 francs and the following message: "You one day gave a coin to Baron de Rothschild in the studio of Ary Scheffer. He has invested it and today sends you the capital which you entrusted to him, together with the compounded interest. A good action always brings good fortune. Signed, Baron de Rothschild."

Legend or not, this simple act of kindness was bountifully rewarded, and it follows a principle that Jesus taught when He said: "Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:40-42)

Giving is at the heart of our Christian faith. God the Father was the first giver: “For God so loved the world that He gave . . .”

I pray that each of us will share God’s love, and perhaps a cup of cold water, or a warm blanket, with some needy soul today. And I ask you to remember the needy souls whom we serve every day here at the Mission on Skid Row. You may mail your donation to me, Willie Jordan, PO BOX 12345, Covina, CA 91722, or go to our website, http://fjm.org.

Blessings,

Willie Jordan