by Jerry Senn
“Fiorello La Guardia was one of New York’s greatest mayors, partially because of his helpfulness toward people. One night he chose to preside over the night court to see where people were hurting. Out of the cold night, a woman was brought before him for stealing a loaf of bread. She explained her family was starving. La Guardia said, ‘I have to punish you, for the law is the law. I fine you ten dollars.’
“He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a ten-dollar bill and tossed it into his hat. ‘I’ll pay the fine,’ he said, ‘and furthermore I’m going to fine everybody in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread in order to eat.’ He ordered the bailiff to collect the fines and give the money to the defendant.” (B L Harbour).
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ …
So then, as you have opportunity,
let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those
who are of the household of faith”
(Galatians 6:2, 10).