“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)
Suggested Prayer: St. Ignatius Prayer for Generosity
Dear Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not count the cost, to fight and to not heed the wounds, to toil and not seek for rest, to labor and not ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen
Suggested Activity: Use creative ways to be generous with time, talent, or treasure. See DID YOU KNOW? article (below) for some ideas.
Did You Know? Almsgiving Tips
Through almsgiving, we remember how Christ denied himself and gave his life to provide for our need of redemption. We offer our gratitude for this free gift of grace by loving and giving to others as if we were serving our Lord himself.
- First, pray about it. Give whatever the Lord is leading you to give and trust him.
- Don’t compare your giving to others or believe that your gift won’t make a difference. Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
- Give with the right attitude. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
- Give to a cause you are passionate about. You will be more motivated.
- Go without an unnecessary expense each week-a coffee run, lunch outing, movie ticket, etc. and donate the money you saved.
- Don’t waste food, and make your material possessions last longer to free up some cash.
- Donate to church and the worthy causes they promote.
(Lent Demystified, tyndale.com)