Why do we give alms?
it helps us to be less selfish. We are hardwires to think about ourselves first. Our lives in Christ, however, are meant to be poured out for others, through our material goods and all of our gifts and talents.
those afflicted with poverty need our help. Praying for the poor is necessary, but it doesn’t put clothes on their back or food on their plate. Consider taking some of the money you would spend on eating out or grabbing a quick snack and donating it instead!
our world is spiritually poor. Giving alms doesn’t only mean giving food and clothes to the poor with the ‘Corporal Works of Mercy’. We are also called to perform the “Spiritual Works of Mercy”, which include calling our brothers and sisters to a life of holiness even as we strive to live a life of holiness.
Since we are both body & soul, our giving must include both. It is easy to find ways to physically donate our time and money to help feed the hungry; we are called to also help people fill their spiritual hunger, by walking with them on our journey together to heaven.
“almsgiving is a witness to fraternal charity and a work of justice pleasing to God”