The Fifth Week of Lent: Almsgiving
"God does not create poverty; we do because we do not share"
That dear, passionate, faithful saint wasn't one to mince words! Her entire life was like Lent; filled with prayer, fasting, and caring for the least of God's children. Sometimes we can feel like, "What good can my little bit of time, money, talent do in this great big world?" Mother Teresa would tell you that you aren't to worry about the whole big world, but just the ONE person in front of you right now. Look into the person's eyes and love her by helping her in her need: physical, spiritual, or emotional. That's almsgiving, and every little bit that we give matters. Here are two short videos to shed a few more rays of light on this Lenten practice:
Let's take a quick break for a song before we talk some more about our Corporal Work of Mercy for the month. This tune is a little bit different than most that I listen to and share with you. This is more like a meditative prayer asking God to give me a "Generous Heart." Almsgiving isn't about just sharing what I have left over, but rather it is about giving generously and abundantly, like God shares love and mercy with us. I'm not very good at this and so this song is my prayer today:
A Few Ways to Practice This Month's Work of Mercy: BURY THE DEAD
1. Spend time with a widow/widower and listen to their stories
2. Volunteer to help a widow or widower with running errands
3. Send a card or note to someone who has lost a loved one
Two ways to give alms that overlap with March's Corporal Work:
If you are looking for a way to love and serve others this Lent (some of whom are widows/widowers), please consider helping us with one or both of these outreach opportunities:
1. We are writing and sending Easter cards to about 250 of our parishioners who might still be feeling a little bit isolated during the ongoing pandemic. A simple Easter card lets them know that they are an important part of our community and that they are loved. Email me at lynp@blessed-midland.org if you'd like to help out.
2. We are also delivering Easter treats to these same folks. The Ladies of Blessed Sacrament have volunteered to do the baking and packaging, but we definitely need volunteers to drop them off to people's homes. Cookies will be available for delivery on Holy Thursday afternoon. If you would be available to deliver 5-10 treat packages, please contact the parish office at 835-6777.
Probably not technically considered almsgiving, but...
we could use some help with our Easter Egg Hunt on April 11. To find out how to help or to sign up to bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and neighbors please visit our website:
We started this 5th Sunday of Lent's note with a quote from Saint Mother Teresa. We're going to let her close things out for us this week as well.
“At the end of our lives, we
will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we
have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by; “I was
hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was
homeless and you took me in.”
Wishing you a week filled with opportunities to share all that you have been given with whomever God places in front of you each day! With love, Lyn