The season of Lent provides the perfect framework to reflect on your life. It is the season to ask if you are the best disciple of Jesus Christ that you can be? Is God truly first in your life, in every area of your life? Even in trials and difficulties, can you look back and find that God has blessed you? How do you respond to Him for those blessings?
As stewards, as disciples of Jesus, we acknowledge that the greatest gifts that God gives us are mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. And the grandest of all gifts is that our faith in Him brings us to eternal life with Him in heaven. Our best response, in all humility and overwhelming gratitude, is the intentional practice of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
Prayer purifies our intentions and relates everything we do to God.
Fasting detaches us from ourselves and our comforts.
Almsgiving is giving to the needs of the poor and reflects our brother/sisterhood with them. It is imitating the generosity of Jesus and reminds us that our wealth is not in things, but in the love of God. Here are a few Bible verses on giving alms:
- Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
- Luke 11:41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
- Proverbs 22:9 The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
- Sirach 7:10 Do not be impatient in prayer or neglect almsgiving.
- Sirach 35:4 One who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.
This Lent, and always, put God first in every facet of your life:
First in your Time – offering your day to God in prayer.
First in your Talents – using them to serve others; fasting from self-serving intentions.
First in your Treasure – giving alms to help the most vulnerable amongst us.
May God bless you this Lenten season.
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