Almsgiving: An Expression of Our Closeness to the Poor

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  03/22/2026  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

As we know almsgiving stands as one of the three pillars of Lenten observance, alongside prayer and fasting, and is seen as an invitation to grow in solidarity with the poor and the marginalized in recognition that Christ himself identified with the poor.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us his followers, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). This passage is our authentic motivation and nothing more, coupled with the fact that Lent, as a time of penance and spiritual renewal, is an opportunity for us to realign our hearts with the poor, through almsgiving, since it is an essential part of living out Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbor.

Although almsgiving serves as a tangible way for us to engage in selflessness and generosity, we must note that it is not simply about donating money or goods like many humanitarian centers do, but about developing a spirit of compassion and humility in imitation of Christ. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:29, “Learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart,” thus by giving to the poor during Lent, we make a conscious decision to turn away from selfishness and self-indulgence, choosing instead to live in solidarity with those who suffer so that we may emulate Christ. Almsgiving also provides an excellent opportunity for us to counterbalance the excesses of modern consumerism, which often fosters indifference to the plight of the disadvantaged.

As a parish, our communal observance of almsgiving symbolizes an expression of the Church’s proximity to the poor, especially those who experience poverty, injustice, and exclusion. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to imitate Christ’s compassion for the marginalized and the Church’s closeness to the poor is not distant or abstract; it is lived out in real, tangible acts of service, from the local parish level as ours, to global humanitarian efforts. Another conversional attribute of almsgiving during Lent is that it brings us to a reflective awareness of our need to change the way the poor are treated in society. Often these categories of people are despised and denigrated even unconsciously by society and by us. Therefore, by reaching out to them in a respectful and dignified way during Lent, we communicate to them a sense of their own dignity, in the face of the contrary message which they continually receive from society. It as though we say to them: “the society may look down on you but me, and the God from whom I come, we acknowledge your dignity and recognize its equality with that of everyone in the society.” When we do this with sober reflections and every sense of piety, we extend Jesus’ ministry to them who came “to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor.” (Lk. 4 :18).

Considered from a spiritual perspective, the Bible assures us that “almsgiving saves from death and purges away every sin. Those who give alms are doing a great thing and will be greatly rewarded.” (Tobit 132:9), but we must be careful to maintain the right attitude to almsgiving. We must not give alms for a show because that displeases God. Matthew 6:1-4 cautions us thus: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.”

Beloved parishioners, I’d like to encourage that our small efforts at charity, our little struggles to accomplish almsgiving, at various assistance as a parish through which we try to improve the life of those who are poor, isolated, struggling, are our own way of participating in the kingdom project of Christ. Everything about how we do it and the manner we indulge in it should represent what we stand for. Pope Paul VI reminds us that modern man is best impressed by example of witnesses like us more than a long sermon. As we generously give alms during this holy season, may our hearts and lives be transformed and may we be challenged to build a more compassionate and just world. Amen.