Last week, we started a series about the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Last week, we discussed prayer and how to adequately prepare for Lent and increase our prayer life.

This week, I want us to discuss almsgiving. What does almsgiving mean? It means to donate money or goods to those of lesser means. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462 describes almsgiving as "a witness to fraternal charity" and “a work of justice pleasing to God." Tobit 12:8-9 where the trio of prayer, fasting and almsgiving were brought together, emphasis was placed on almsgiving.

“Prayer with fasting is good, and almsgiving is better than hiding away in storage. For almsgiving delivers from death, and the same is what purges sins and makes one able to find mercy and everlasting life.”

Almsgiving holds a lot of significance as much as prayer and fasting if not more than. The reason for this is because almsgiving is a type of prayer because in almsgiving, we also give to God different from common philanthropy.

Almsgiving is a type of fasting due to its being a sacrificial giving where we give up something and sometimes giving that hurts or pinches us. Jesus teaches us that almsgiving is an important component of Christian life: “When you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Mt 6:2-3).

Carefully note what Jesus said. He makes almsgiving compulsory when he says “WHEN” and not “IF.” So, compared to fasting and prayer, almsgiving is non-negotiable; and this is not to say prayer is negotiable because He also tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

 

In the words of the Holy Father, “Almsgiving helps us to experience giving freely, which leads to freedom from the obsession of possessing, from the fear of losing what we have, from the sadness of one who does not wish to share his wealth with others.” Although etymologically, almsgiving relates to giving of finances, we can also give non-material goods such as our time, treasure and talent to the course of Christ.

In this coming lent, we can give by helping out at our parish’s food bank, being more patient with that colleague at work or dedicating some time to assisting others who need our help. We can also give something as simple as a smile or lend a helping hand.

I wish you a fruitful preparation as we anticipate the Lenten season.