Almsgiving

ALMSGIVING

“Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These”

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Introduction: Love That Becomes Visible

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we journey through Lent — the sacred season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — we reflect today on the third pillar: almsgiving.

Prayer lifts us toward God.

Fasting frees us from ourselves.

Almsgiving sends us toward our neighbour.

If prayer is love spoken,

and fasting is a love discipline,

Almsgiving is love demonstrated.

Today, we will reflect deeply on:

1. The meaning of almsgiving

2. Its biblical foundation

3. Jesus’ teaching

4. The wisdom of the saints

5. Practical applications

6. Illustrations for daily life

7. A call to transformation

Let us open our hearts.

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I. What Is Almsgiving?

Almsgiving is not simply giving money.

It is:

• Sharing what we have

• Seeing the suffering of others

• Responding with compassion

It is charity in action.

Scripture says:

“Give alms from your possessions…” (Sirach 18:16)

Almsgiving is not about how much we give.

It is about how much we love.

Illustration 1: The Child’s Sandwich

A small child noticed a classmate who had no lunch. Quietly, without telling anyone, he split his sandwich and shared half.

That half-sandwich became a greater act of love than a large donation given for publicity.

God measures love, not size.

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II. The Biblical Foundation

From Genesis to Revelation, generosity is central to faith.

• Tobit 4:7–11 – “Almsgiving delivers from death.”

• Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.”

• Luke 12:33 – “Sell your possessions and give to the needy.”

• Acts 10:2 – Cornelius gave alms generously.

Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine says:

“Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Give it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.”

Without charity, prayer remains incomplete.

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III. Jesus and Almsgiving (Matthew 6:1–4)

Jesus says:

“When you give alms…”

Not if — but when.

Almsgiving is expected of every disciple.

Jesus warns against:

• Giving for recognition

• Giving for praise

• Giving for social media display

True almsgiving is done in secret.

Illustration: Two Donors

One person donates a large amount but ensures his name is printed everywhere.

Another quietly pays the school fees for a struggling family anonymously.

Which one resembles Christ?

God sees in secret.

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IV. The Closed Fist and the Open Hand

A closed fist cannot receive anything.

An open hand can give and receive.

When we cling tightly to wealth, we block grace.

When we open our hands, God fills them again.

Basil of Caesarea

St. Basil said:

“The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry.”

Almsgiving is not losing — it is redistributing God’s gifts.

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V. The Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31–46)

Jesus identifies Himself with the poor:

“I was hungry, and you gave me food.”

Notice something powerful:

He does not ask how much theology we know.

He asks how we loved.

Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa said:

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Illustration: The Forgotten Elder

An elderly woman lived alone. No visitors. No family nearby.

A young neighbour began visiting once a week, bringing tea and conversation.

No money involved — just presence.

That presence was almsgiving.

Sometimes the greatest poverty is loneliness.

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VI. Almsgiving and Justice

The prophet Amos cries:

“Let justice roll down like waters.” (Amos 5:24)

Almsgiving is not pity.

It is justice.

John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom boldly said:

“Almsgiving is an act of justice, not charity.”

We must ask:

• Why are people poor?

• How can I support dignity?

• How can my lifestyle change?

Christian generosity must address both need and cause.

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VII. Practical Applications for Lent

Here are concrete ways to practise almsgiving:

1. Planned Giving

Set aside a fixed portion of income during Lent.

2. Give Time

Visit the sick.

Call someone lonely.

Encourage someone who is discouraged.

3. Simplify Lifestyle

Reduce unnecessary spending.

Use the savings to help others.

4. Hidden Acts

Do one act of charity daily without telling anyone.

5. Family Almsgiving

Involve children.

Teach them to give toys, clothes, and time.

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Illustration: The Family Lenten Jar

A family placed a small jar on the table.

Every time they skipped dessert or avoided a luxury, they placed money into the jar.

At Easter, they donated it to a struggling family.

That jar transformed their Lent.

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VIII. The Fruit of Almsgiving

Almsgiving:

• Softens hardness

• Breaks selfishness

• Brings joy

Lawrence of Rome

When asked to show the Church’s treasures, St. Lawrence presented the poor and said:

“These are the treasures of the Church.”

When we give to people experiencing poverty, we invest in eternity.

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IX. Personal Examination