"My friend, you have done faithful work in looking after these brothers, even though they were complete strangers to you" (3 Jn 5). What a beautiful testimony to the unity of the early Christian communities! They helped their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who reached out to them, providing generously even for those they did not know. They gave their charity freely and joyfully, like the cheerful giver St Paul commends (cf 2 Cor 9:7), in striking contrast to the stingy and unjust judge whom the widow approached in today's Gospel (cf Lk 18:1-8).

This overall attitude of the early Christians eventually gave rise to one of the five precepts of the Church: to provide for the needs of the Church. They became instruments of God's Divine Providence for those who went out to spread the Good News. As St John himself says, by supporting these missionaries, they became co-workers with the truth (cf 3 Jn 8).

This call continues today. To those of you who are doing the same, please continue to look after one another and watch each other's backs. Ensure that the community flourishes, even through the small and insignificant acts of charity and generosity we offer each other. Always remember, if you do it wholeheartedly for the Lord and His people, such acts are never wasted.