The Importance of Tithing and Almsgiving During Lent
As we enter the somber and beautiful season of Lent, many of us begin to think of the things we will "give up." We might set aside the morning coffee or skip the evening dessert as a way to discipline our bodies. However, Lent is far more than a simple test of willpower; it is a spiritual reset for the soul. Just as we clear out the dust and clutter of our homes during spring cleaning, Lent invites us to clear the clutter from our hearts to make more room for God.
In the tradition of the Church, particularly as we experience it through the Traditional Latin Mass in Boston, we recognize that this spiritual purification requires a three-fold approach. We are called to engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While prayer and fasting are often the most discussed, the practice of almsgiving and tithing is equally vital. It is the outward expression of our inner conversion, a way to prove that our love for God is greater than our love for the things of this world.
Why is Almsgiving One of the Three Pillars of Lent?
We often hear that Lent stands on three pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is helpful to think of these as a tripod; if one leg is missing, the whole structure becomes unstable.
Prayer reorients our spirit toward God.
Fasting disciplines our physical desires and strengthens our will.
Almsgiving directs our charity outward toward our neighbor.
By practicing all three, we address every part of our human experience. Almsgiving is a direct response to the Gospel's call to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we give of our resources, we are not simply performing a humanitarian act; we are participating in a work of justice that is pleasing to God.
At our church in Weston, MA, we see almsgiving as a way to "put feet" to our prayers. If we pray for the poor but refuse to help them when we have the means, our prayer lacks the sincerity of Christian charity. Almsgiving humbles us and reminds us that everything we possess, our wealth, our time, and our talents, is a gift from the Creator.
How Does Giving Help Us Detach from the World?
One of the primary goals of the Lenten season is detachment. We live in a culture that constantly tells us that our value is tied to what we own, what we wear, and how much we have in the bank. This "spirit of the world" can slowly choke our spiritual lives, making us heavy and resistant to the movements of the Holy Spirit.
Tithing and almsgiving act as a powerful remedy for the sin of avarice (greed). When we intentionally give away a portion of our income, we are declaring that our money does not own us. We are breaking the chains of consumerism and learning to trust in Divine Providence.
St. Catherine of Siena once said, "Everything comes from love, all is ordained for the salvation of man, God does nothing without this goal in mind." When we give, we mirror that divine love. We learn to hold the things of this earth with a "loose grip," understanding that they are merely tools to be used for God’s glory rather than ends in themselves. For those of us attending the SSPX in Boston, this spirit of sacrifice is woven into our liturgical life, reminding us that the Cross is the ultimate example of self-giving love.
What is the Difference Between Tithing and Almsgiving?
While we often use these terms interchangeably, they hold slightly different meanings in our Catholic tradition. Understanding the distinction can help us plan our Lenten sacrifices more effectively.
Tithing: Traditionally, this refers to giving a percentage (often a "tithe" or tenth) of our income to support the Church and its mission. This is an ongoing obligation of the faithful to ensure that the parish can provide the Sacraments, maintain the sanctuary, and support the clergy.
Almsgiving: During Lent, almsgiving is often seen as an extra sacrifice above and beyond our regular tithing. It is a spontaneous or planned act of charity toward the poor, the suffering, or specific charitable projects.
We encourage our families to look at their budgets this Lent. Perhaps there is a luxury we can eliminate, a streaming service, an extra meal out, or a new clothing purchase, and redirect those specific funds toward an alms box. This turns our "fasting" (giving something up) into "almsgiving" (giving something away), completing the circle of Lenten penance.
How Can We Support Our Parish and the Poor in Weston?
As a community at the Catholic church in Weston, we have unique opportunities to practice this charity locally. Supporting the parish is an act of gratitude for the spiritual nourishment we receive through the Traditional Latin Mass.
Currently, our community is involved in several vital restoration projects that allow us to honor God through the beauty of His house. Giving to these causes is a form of almsgiving that creates a lasting legacy for future generations of Catholics in New England. We invite you to consider how you might contribute to our ongoing efforts:
The Sanctuary Restoration: We are working hard to complete the sanctuary and nave to reflect the dignity of the liturgy. You can see our progress here.
Phase 1 Fundraiser: Every donation toward the sanctuary floor and steps is a direct contribution to the beauty of our worship space. Details can be found on our fundraiser page.
The Restoration Pledge: For families who wish to make a more structured Lenten commitment, we provide pledge sheets to help plan your giving over time.
