Last week we took a look at Fasting, the Lenten discipline directed towards self (in case you missed it, the other two are Almsgiving and Prayer). This week here are a few insights into Almsgiving, donating of one's possessions to the poor. Derived from the Greek word eleemosyne, meaning "pity" or "mercy", the directed-towards-others discipline of almsgiving is defined as any material favor done to assist the needy that is prompted by charity. But, given its word root, almsgiving implies much more than merely giving things to the poor. In fact, any deed done in concrete service to benefit another could be considered almsgiving. As Christians, almsgiving implies a material service rendered to the poor for Christ's sake.
Following is a video from Fr. Mike Schmitz that might give some insight (if the video below doesn't work for you try clicking on https://youtu.be/xODJuXGUyzQ):
Following is a video from Fr. Mike Schmitz that might give some insight (if the video below doesn't work for you try clicking on https://youtu.be/xODJuXGUyzQ):
Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these, they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.
Our FORMED Recommendation for the Week
Movie (85 minutes) - Convinced
https://formed.org/watch/58aded1df97abb9410ff0c50
Why would intelligent, successful people give up careers, alienate friends, and cause havoc in their families...to become Catholic? As he was considering his own move into the Church, Donald Johnson traveled around the country to get the story for himself, from some of today's most interesting and articulate Catholic voices.
Featuring Jennifer Fulwiler, Holly Ordway, Abby Johnson, Jeff Cavins, Brandon Vogt, Scott Hahn, Francis Beckwith, Patrick Madrid, Devin Rose, Mark Shea, Leah Libresco, Kevin Vost, Richard Cole, Mark Regnerus, David Currie, Matthew Leonard, Taylor Marshall, Jason Stellman, John Bergsma, Patrick Coffin, Christian Smith, and Kenneth Howell.
If you haven't done so already, go to https://visitationrcchurch.formed.org/, click on the REGISTER NOW button. Enter your e-mail address on the registration screen and you're good to go!
Movie (85 minutes) - Convinced
https://formed.org/watch/58aded1df97abb9410ff0c50
Why would intelligent, successful people give up careers, alienate friends, and cause havoc in their families...to become Catholic? As he was considering his own move into the Church, Donald Johnson traveled around the country to get the story for himself, from some of today's most interesting and articulate Catholic voices.
Featuring Jennifer Fulwiler, Holly Ordway, Abby Johnson, Jeff Cavins, Brandon Vogt, Scott Hahn, Francis Beckwith, Patrick Madrid, Devin Rose, Mark Shea, Leah Libresco, Kevin Vost, Richard Cole, Mark Regnerus, David Currie, Matthew Leonard, Taylor Marshall, Jason Stellman, John Bergsma, Patrick Coffin, Christian Smith, and Kenneth Howell.
If you haven't done so already, go to https://visitationrcchurch.formed.org/, click on the REGISTER NOW button. Enter your e-mail address on the registration screen and you're good to go!
Do you find these weekly eCommunity mailings useful and think that family members or friends could benefit? Invite them either by having them text VisitationBrick to 84576 on their smartphone or by signing up on our parish website at http://visitationrcchurch.org/ - we'd love to have them join us!