Pier Giorgio as Secret Santa

One of the most uplifting series of videos I have watched lately features amazing acts of generosity by a Secret Santa in eastern Idaho.  Perhaps, you have seen a few (because it is hard to just watch one!)  This is the sixth year that a person who insists on remaining anonymous has given away hundreds of thousands of dollars to needy people in that area.  Each recipient has some personal history that has created a hardship.  Each gift brings such relief and hope and often tears of joy.  

In a certain sense, the idea of being a secret santa is scriptural.  During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to do our good deeds privately for God's eyes only.  To emphasize the point, He says it three different ways in the first few verses of chapter 6 of Matthew's gospel.

“[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father." - Matthew 6:1

"When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward." - Matthew 6:2

"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." - Matthew 6:3-4

Of course, Jesus wasn't talking about things we do only during the Christmas season but what we do or should be doing all year long.  However, it does seem to be this time of year when the season of giving moves us to think more of those who are less fortunate.

Blessed Pier Giorgio's entire life was one of doing anonymous acts of charity.  This is why there was such great surprise among his immediate family when thousands of people lined the streets for his funeral.  It is also why the poor of Turin were so surprised to discover that the young man who had helped them was from such a prominent family.  They didn't know because he didn't want to take credit for anything he had done.

One small example of this is found in a letter he wrote to an Austrian friend following his travels there during the Christmas season of 1922.  He had leftover currency (crowns, at the time) and wanted her to use them to help those in need.  He just had one condition:  "I ask you to distribute them as charity without saying who they are from." 

Luciana Frassati emphasized that being anonymous was always Pier Giorgio's preference.  This wasn't always possible because he did so many acts of charity in person through his work with the conferences of St. Vincent de Paul.  But even in some of those cases, when asked who to thank, he would give a vague response to avoid identifying himself.  

This is a good lesson in charity that Jesus wanted us to learn and that Pier Giorgio and the eastern Idaho Secret Santa have reinforced:  keep your good deeds between you and God.  God knows what you are doing and He will bless you in abundance in return.  You simply cannot outgive Him.

Another good lesson is that the amount doesn't matter.  Sometimes people really just need to know somebody cares.  That doesn't require thousands of dollars or a new car.  It requires a simple act of kindness which we are all capable of doing.

Christmas begins on December 25th.  It doesn't last just one day.  So there is still plenty of time to bless someone in need with an act of generosity.  Let's look for those opportunities and follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when prompted.  The irony of it all is that you will most likely be the one who feels blessed more than the person you are blessing.  But then this is scriptural, too. 

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35

Be a blessing and be blessed - what a wonderful formula for a happy and holy Christmas!  May the peace of our newborn king fill your home with joy.  And may Blessed Frassati intercede for you in a special way.

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw

p.s. Because in my family the emphasis was always on Saint Nicholas and Baby Jesus, I prefer to use those names instead of giving something from "Secret Santa."