
Bono is onto something: Charity is not optional. Of course, in our culture we tend to think of it as precisely this--something we do over and above the call of duty. Jesus, however, saw things differently. The whole law hangs on two commandments: we are commanded to love God and our neighbors. And this, of course, is what charity (latin,
caritas) is--love. Bono (the lead singer from the band U2) preached a powerful
message to this effect at the National Prayer Breakfast this week. It's well worth the read.