LENT WEEK 3: DAY 22

To love is to give and almsgiving is one of the arms of Lent. Earlier this week, we looked at the other two arms of lent and today I want us to look at the most ignored but important arm of lent. Prayer and fasting should open to almsgiving. The things we give up or put aside during our fasting should not be used for ourselves but must be channelled for almsgiving. Almsgiving is the outcome of prayer and fasting and it is the extension of our love to our neighbours for the glory of God. The beauty in almsgiving is that the giver is the beneficiary. The receiver gets the physical benefit while the giver gets the spiritual and mental benefit. It is for this reason that St Peter will remind us that Charity covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). This means that almsgiving is a way to atone for our sins and get back into the good books of God. This makes more sense when you understand that he who gives to the poor is lending to God and God will repay him for his good deeds (proverb 19:17). Our good God is faithful and always pays back in good to those who lend to him. God is so concerned about our almsgiving and he clearly states that almsgiving is the best way of fasting (Isaiah 58:7) he even attaches a blessing for those who share with the needy (Isaiah 58:10). This topic is so important that Jesus will remind us that judgement day will solely be based on that (Matthew 25:35-46). The Psalmist will confirm this when he declares that all goes well for the man who is generous and lends freely, he has no fear for bad news and he prevails over his foes (Psalm 112:5-9). The only condition given to Paul on commissioning day was to always remember the needy (Galatians 2:9-10). Do not forget, God is honoured by those who have compassion on the needy (Proverbs 14:31). Giving to the needy here on earth is storing up treasures for ourselves in heaven (Luke 18:22) and Paul will instruct Timothy to remind the wealthy about that (1 Timothy 6:17-19). The giving here goes beyond material things and Peter in his hand of charity will give healing to the cripple man at the beautiful gate, and note that Peter precises that he has neither Gold nor silver but he gives what he has (Acts 3:1-6). This is a call sent out so that everyone should be able to share what they have no matter how small it is. This is clearly what the widow did (Mark 12:41-44) and it ended her the admiration of Jesus and his commendation. Sharing has such a power that even death cannot hold. Your charity can bring you back to life because it puts you into the prayers of others and their supplications make way for you (Acts 9:38-41). It even goes as far as opening heaven for those who practise it. A good example is Cornelius who gave alms to the Jewish people and associated it with prayer (Acts 10:1-2). It did not only opened heaven for him but it brought the apostle Peter into his house something that was not permitted at that time. His charity and prayer broke the rules for him. Many of you will agree to the fact that someone somewhere has once favoured you because of something you did for them in the past. That’s a clear example of charity opening doors. Giving is a purely divine act and to show his love for us all, God gave his only begotten son (John 3:16). We must join in this divine work of love and give what we have for the good of those who are in need, so that they too may experience the divine care of God. I enjoin you today to open your hands to the work of charity and love so that you may become true children of your Father who is in heaven. Do not forget, that charity covers a multitude of sins.

In Corda Matris.

Resolutions

I resolve to share what the Lord has given me with the people I meet.
I resolve to open my eyes and ears to the cries and supplication of the downtrodden.
I resolve to carry Jesus wherever I go and share him with those I encounter and meet.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach me not to hold too tightly the things you have given me but to learn to share them with the people you put on my path. Teach me the act of true sharing and help me to give what I have received and to bless others just as you bless me. Amen.