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.