And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
“There is no more profitable practice as a companion to holy and spiritual fasting than that of almsgiving. This embraces under the single name of mercy many excellent works of devotion, so that the good intentions of the faithful may be of equal value, even where their means are not.
The love that we owe both God and man is always free from any obstacle that would prevent us from having a good intention. The angels sang: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.’ The person who shows love and compassion to those in any kind of affliction is blessed, not only with the virtue of good will, but also with the gift of peace.
The works of mercy are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians, that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent but also those of average means and the poor are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts.”
Leo the Great (c. 400-461) in “Lenten Homily” as recounted by James Kubicki in A Year of Daily Offerings (Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 2016) reading for 13 March.d
The best part about giving alms, which is helping others in need, is that everyone can participate. Too often we think that if we only have average means or if we are even lacking financial resources, that we cannot be generous.
This is a key message that Nydia Garcia Schmidt, Ereny Monir, and I will teach today in El Salvador (pictured above). We will provide biblical teaching from the Old Testament and the New Testament on generous giving and provide practical tips for growing givers.
Each of us is “able” to be generous. Many people don’t know this. Generosity is something that must be taught from the Word, learned over time, and practiced faithfully. When God’s workers do this, they grow generous congregations and constituencies.