Almsgiving is a participation in the divine act of giving, not just from the abundance of one’s acquisitions, but also, of oneself – spiritually and materially.
It is a thankful virtue that manifests itself concretely through the extension of one’s arm towards another to uplift the other. We are created as ‘being with the other’. Our existence becomes meaningful and joy-filled when we extend our hands towards the other; when we think more, not of oneself, but of the other: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

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An almsgiving is an act of love, a love that appreciates God’s gifts to us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life”. (John 3:16) It is thanks that is expressed in giving – Thanks-giving.
An almsgiving is an act of reparation! When we give with love and gratitude, it is an expression of our deep sorrow for our many transgressions against God. Think of the tax collector, Zaccheus who upon his transforming encounter with Christ said to him: “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8)

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How do we express our appreciation, thanks-giving to God – invisible? Simply by giving back to God-visible!
Jesus told his disciples: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, thus you do unto me”(Mat. 25:40). Jesus assures us of his presence in our neighbour. In those people we do not consider as belonging to our class; in those poor people leaving in poor conditions around us; in the sick whose hope of better healthcare isn’t assured; in the hungry and the homeless roaming around our streets; in that neighbour of ours whose names we do not care to know. In these people, we find a way of reaching out and giving back to God.

In the Gospel of Matthew 25:34, Jesus identifies a group as the ‘Blessed of my Father’. These are people who, aware of God’s gift of faith in them, moved out of their own self-centered concerns to respond in love and care for the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry, the stranger, and the naked. They knew that God had entered their hearts and that He would provide for all their needs. Out of a desire to see others receive this grace, they willingly gave, not just out of their abundance but also of themselves.

Many times we may have heard acts that are done “quid pro quo” – “something for something.” Does our gratitude come under this description? Are we giving because there is something to be received? This should not be the case! Our thankful-giving goes beyond the idea of giving in direct repayment to what was received. We are called to give thanks in all circumstances whether good or bad for it is the will of God (1Thess. 5:18).

There are many benefits, however, that come with giving alms. Most times when we give alms to the needy we do not see the effects immediately. Our alms bring joy not only to the recipient but also to our souls as well. Almsgiving relieves us of the excess burdens of having; it draws us ever more closer to the grace of being one with the Father who, for our sake gave His only Son. It confers on us the title, “Blessed of my Father”!

Lent is over, Easter is here, yet, Jesus continues to invite us to take up the obligation of gratitude through almsgiving (Matt.5:42, 6:1-4, 25:35; Luke 14:13, 18:22) and the Church encourages us to do so. We are to look out for the needs of others (spiritual, psychological, and material) and help them in any way we can. May we not fail in carrying out this noble act!

~ Fr. James Anyaegbu