Lenten Challenge

Mar 12

Lent is a very special time in the Church year. It is a time when we are invited to “go the extra mile.” Traditionally, our Lenten practices include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

These words of Jesus Christ, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,” urge me to consider this Scriptural quote as one that invites me to reflect on the third Lenten practice, almsgiving.

Let’s broaden the meaning of almsgiving – we usually interpret almsgiving as giving a little more money in the weekly collection basket. The collection is often designated for church projects, repairs, or other parish activities. It is a good way to share with others.

Perhaps we give a handout to someone whom we find begging on the downtown street. But it is even more than that! That handout is generous, and surely it helps that person, especially if it is accompanied by love, by a smile, and kind words, doing it in Jesus’ name!

Recently, a media clip entitled “Fabiosa Digest” appeared on my Facebook app. One clip after another depicts situations in which the “star” shows ordinary ways to interact lovingly. They are ordinary people caught in ordinary situations and who demonstrate that kindness matters. It would be wonderful to have a camera and the time to capture these hidden acts on video!

If we look back at some moments in our day – was there someone who needed a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word? That calls for almsgiving. Perhaps you are in the elevator at work with a colleague who you rarely have a cause or the desire for interaction. How can you go the extra mile, deepen your heartfelt outreach? Perhaps you could inquire about their day, or their family. Go beyond the weather. Give them a listening ear and words of encouragement.

St. Francis de Sales graced us with his usual practical wisdom which can inspire our depth of almsgiving this Lent: “It is love that gives value to all our works; it is not by the greatness or multiplicity of our works that we please God, but by the love with which we do them.”

He gave us a Lenten challenge: “The measure of love is to love without measure.” Let’s not measure our almsgiving this Lent. As you run the race, be the champion, run the fastest, win that race, and share God’s love with those you meet, those who could be overlooked without this focus for your Lent.