almsgiving
[noun]
A voluntary gift or an act of charity. Almsgiving is an essential practice of Lent, calling Catholics to concrete acts of giving that foster interior renewal, imitate Christ’s self-giving, and encounter Him in the poor. In doing so, we are drawn closer to God.
Lent gives us an opportunity to imitate Jesus’s generosity, to give beyond material things and see the needs of others from a spiritual lens. But, what does that look like?
We can do this by meeting people where they are, without judgment. To give as Jesus did also means to be fully present in a conversation with our heart, listening and seeing the person, especially those who are often overlooked. Sometimes, all anyone needs is a kind greeting, on a stormy day, to be reminded that there is love. This small gesture can even save someone’s life.
When we encounter others with an open heart in their time of need, we see ourselves in them and we see Christ. That is the greatest gift because it transforms our hearts and teaches us to love as God does.
Dear God,
Give me the strength I need to pay attention to what matters most, and stay away from the things that keep me away from you. Open my eyes and heart to the needs of others and help me respond in the way that is needed. Walk with me during these 40 days as I fast from worldly things to be closer to You. Amen.
How does fasting deepen your relationship with God?
