Almsgiving may be the most neglected aspect of the observance of Lent. We Catholics tend to associate Lent with prayer and fasting, with little emphasis on our neighbor. We are praying in our rooms.
Often we are concerned with “giving something up” for Lent, which can obscure the idea of what we should be doing – giving, that is, contributing to the well-being of others in our world.
Prayer and fasting can be done in private, but almsgiving is more of a public observance of Lent. It involves caring for one another. We reach out to help someone in need.
What can we contribute to others? What difference can we make?
Here are a few ideas:
- Donate food or money to a food bank.
- Volunteer your time for a homeless shelter or meal program.
- Pray for a stranger – or someone who is an enemy.
- Talk to someone who people find irritating or difficult.
- Take time to write a letter to a soldier overseas.
- Visit the sick, the shut-in, or the imprisoned.
- Light a candle for all those who are widowed, struggling, or alone.
- Sponsor the education of a child in need.
Steven's mother had lost hope that her son would get an education, but then Steven was sponsored to attend St. Alphonsus Demonstration School in Nkokonjeru. "Thanks to CARITAS for loving Uganda and in particular our children," she said. Unfortunately Steven's sponsor was unable to continue her sponsorship. He needs a new sponsor so he can stay in school. Steven loves school!
CARITAS For Children’s Catholic child sponsorship programs provide an almsgiving opportunity. For as little as $1.00 per day, you can sponsor the education of a child living in extreme poverty and provide them with an opportunity to grow to become a confident adult formed in Catholic values and teaching. Sponsorship is a rewarding way to give alms and to make a difference in the world.
Recently I read that it takes seventy days to develop a habit. This can include diets, exercising, or giving of oneself. The forty days of Lent are a good start toward developing the habit of giving. This season of Lent can initiate habits that will last a lifetime.
