Almsgiving: An Expression of Gratitude

Adapted from an article by Jim Lamm,
Director of Stewardship
St. Louis Catholic Church, Austin, Texas

When we look at the three traditional “disciplines”
of Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we know that
almsgiving gets the least attention. Yet, the Bible places
emphasis firmly on almsgiving: “Prayer and fasting are
good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied
by righteousness … It is better to give alms than to
store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and
expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall
enjoy a full life” (Tobit 12:8-9).

Almsgiving is simply an expression of our gratitude for
all that God has given us, and a realization that as a
member of a community of faith, it is never just “me
and God.” For disciples of the Lord, almsgiving means
much more than simply throwing a little change in the
poor box. It is an attitude of generosity. It challenges us
to examine how we are using our time, abilities, and
money to better the lives of those around us. It urges us
to share what we have been given by God with others
in love and justice. It reminds us that Jesus blesses those
who seek to be “poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3).

Almsgiving opens our hearts to the realization that God
blesses us through those we serve. It is here that we find the
great mystery of Christian service. We see God in the life
of Jesus, and we see Jesus in all those who are in need of
our care. Look around, see those who are in need, and ask
God to take away those obstacles and distractions that keep
us from being generous with them. In turn, we will receive
Christ’s blessing, a blessing we need to receive.


Almsgiving Ideas for Lent
• Show an act of kindness to someone you don’t
speak to often.
• Visit an elderly person who may be lonely.
• Reflect on the regular contributions you make to
the parish. Could you do more?
• Do an extra chore for your parents one day each
week during Lent.
• Go through your closet and find some clothes in
good shape to give away to other children who
are in need of clothes.
• Write a letter or create a card for someone who
is sick or might be lonely.
• Buy some cans of food to give to a food bank or
soup kitchen.
• Talk with your family about eating one simple
meal each week of Lent and putting the money
you save in the Operation Rice Bowl box.
• Donate personal possessions, such as clothes,
books, or shoes to people in need.
• Volunteer to clean the yard or wash windows for
an elderly person in your neighborhood.
• Prepare a meal or baked goods for the soup
kitchen or homeless shelter.
• Gather some friends to help volunteer at a local
soup kitchen.
• Make a gift to the diocesan annual appeal.
• Volunteer to read books and magazines to
the elderly.
• Volunteer to tutor children.
• Donate diapers, formula, baby clothing, baby
furniture, and maternity clothing to a local crisis
pregnancy center.

Stewardship Reflections for the Sunday Readings

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Weekend of March 5/6
In today’s gospel Jesus states emphatically that only those who
do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. But
what does it mean to do the will of God? To Christian stewards
it means that they have surrendered their hearts and minds to
the teaching of Christ; and even if they cannot deliver a perfect
or flawless performance, they truly desire to love the Lord and
allow him to direct their lives. Do we wish to honor the Lord
in everything we do, or is the price more than we want to pay?

First Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 12/13
At the beginning of this Lenten season we hear proclaimed
the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. He responds to the
first temptation by saying that one does not live by bread alone
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
The season of Lent invites us to consider how we nourish our
hearts, how we act as stewards of the Word of God entrusted to
us. A good reflection for the week: What do we live on? What
keeps us going? Could it be possessions, prestige, the need to
be in control, the need for security, addictions? Or the fervent
desire to listen to God’s word?

Second Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 19/20
Saint Matthew’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration is a preview of
the Resurrection and puts into perspective Jesus’ sayings about
his suffering, rejection and death, and his role as the light of
salvation. With the additional command “Listen to him” from
the voice in the heavens the transfiguration is also about the
disciples’ resurrection, and sheds light on Jesus’ previous sayings
about the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to “listen to
him?” Do we believe Christ’s claims for our salvation? Are we
willing to accept this cost even if it means rejection by others?

Third Sunday in Lent
Weekend of March 26/27
Jesus’ longest-recorded conversation with anyone is the one he
has with the Samaritan woman at the well. She discovers she
can be honest with Jesus and goes and tells others about him.
She gives witness. She’s not the most certain, thorough or even
convincing witness. But her witness is enough. It is inviting,
humble, non-judgmental and sincere. What is the quality of our
witness? How do our words and actions give daily testimony on
behalf of Christ? During this season of Lent, how might we do
a better job at proclaiming the risen Lord in word and deed?

Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council March Newsletter