As we begin this Lenten season, in addition to giving up something, we should also consider doing something that honors this Holy season. The St. Paul Center argues that although almsgiving is the most neglected pillar of Lent, it is better than prayer and fasting, because it is prayer and involves fasting. Almsgiving is prayer because it is pleasing to God, and it is fasting because it should be sacrificial. But it is more than donating to charitable organizations. Although it is easier to share our treasure with Catholic charities and diocesan special appeals, we must not forget about our time and talents (USCCB).
There are many talents that we can draw from. At baptism we were given the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord (Catholic Church, 1997, §1831). Some Christians also receive Spiritual Gifts for the benefit of others. These include words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working miracles, prophecy, various tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:1-13).
We must challenge ourselves to share our time and talents with our brothers and sisters; asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. Is it really that difficult for us to give up some of the time we spend scrolling each day on our favorite electronic device? How can we stir into flame the gifts of God that we have received (2 Timothy 1:6-14)? One point from the Cursillo Movement that has stayed with me is that Jesus wants us to give all of ourselves to others, just as he did for us. In doing so we live his commandment to love one another as ourselves. We are all individual parts of the one Body of Christ (our Church) with a unique set of gifts provided by the Holy Spirit, and together we can renew and build up the Church (Catholic Church, 1997, §798).
https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/intro-to-lent-iii-almsgiving
Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church: Modifications from the Editio Typica (2nd ed.). New York: Doubleday.
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