Prayer 

Almsgiving is a word that is not used very much these days. Yet it features as a part of many people’s Lenten journeys. What does it mean to say that during Lent, Christians focus on Almsgiving in their lives? Almsgiving “is the act of donating money, goods, or time to those in need, reflecting a commitment to compassion and social justice”  

The following reflection by Kevin Treston explores what almsgiving may involve by engaging with a statement from what are commonly known as the Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel. (Matthew 5:3-12)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”

We might try to become involved in the pursuit of justice and the promotion of the common good.

Such a pursuit is not an occasional gesture of charitable actions. The passion of “hunger and thirst” leaves us with no option about doing detached impersonal donations. Through the experience of “hunger and thirst” our souls are craving for the food and drink of fulfilment to enhance the wellbeing of people and the earth.

Situations of injustice, racism, poverty, discrimination, economic deprivation, sinking homelands, refugees seeking asylum, all may stir us to anger and evoke a frantic determination to do something about those aberrations of wholistic life.

We may get anxious about offending significant people in our lives if we become involved in justice causes. Nevertheless, we will do what we can for such just causes, even with all the inhibitions of our personal limits. The flame of justice will be fanned by the breath of the Spirit and our commitment to justice. p. 51

Treston, K (2024) Choices for Life, The Beatitudes for Daily Living Garrett Publishing Mulgrave

Invitation to prayer…

God of All Goodness, 

Give us hearts for generosity. 

Show us how to hold our possessions lightly, 

Ever mindful of their temporary value. 

Inspire us to share what we have in full measure, 

So that others are able to live without need or want. 

Let us know the grace of a bountiful life, One overflowing with gratitude for all that we have to give. 

In the name of Jesus,the one who showed us how to give, we pray.  

Amen