Lenten Reflection #4
Almsgiving.
Why do this especially for Lent?
From
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “During Lent, we are asked to
focus more intently on “almsgiving,” which means donating money or goods to the
poor and performing other acts of charity. As one of the three pillars of
Lenten practice, almsgiving is a ‘witness to fraternal charity’ and ‘a work of
justice pleasing to God.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).”
Today’s
gospel about how God will separate the sheep from the goat (Matthew 25:31-46)
and the homily gave me more clarity on the practice of almsgiving. The priest
said that the measure God will use is how much we have loved our neighbor. Love…not
how many novenas we can pray in one day or how far we can walk on our knees to
the altar or how many ministry meetings we attend. Better yet, love for the
least of our brethren. The least need not only be the materially poor – Manong Magbobote,
Sampaguita Girl, Beggar Ate. It can also be that nerd who has no friends or the
rich, overbearing boss every employee hates. Yes, even the emotionally and
spiritually poor need the love of a neighbor. As Pope John Paul II said, “Nobody
is so poor he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich he has nothing to
receive.”
“The
King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Reference: Mass Homily for today – Fr. Jason Laguerta:
Separation
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