Most of us in our catechism classes learned the seven Corporal Works of Mercy; yet here I am writing about an eighth work of mercy. Here is how the Catechism in #2447 lists them: “The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God…” In this list giving drink to the thirsty is omitted and giving alms to the poor is added. The Catechism teaches us that the lists that are provided are ultimately not exhaustive of the works of mercy that the disciple is enjoined to do. The works of mercy are any acts of charity that “come to our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.”
In giving alms to the poor, we fulfill the Lord’s command to engage in penitential practices as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Giving alms then is a doubly-graced action. We assist those in need and we do penance for our own sins.

The word “alms” comes from the Greek eleēmosynē.  This is the same root at the world eleison, the word “mercy” in Lord have mercy. Thus, at the heart of charitable giving to the poor is the concept of mercy. We give freely to someone and do not expect repayment. 

One of the most powerful witnesses we offer in our community is that of direct charity. We have been accustomed to taking up a monthly “Quarter Sunday” collection. With these funds we are able to assist folks in financial crisis with some basic needs. We assist with utility bills and overnight stays in a hotel among other things. Lynn Carter OFS, our parish secretary, works very well with the local social assistance organizations to help us get relief to those in most need. Her regular updates on the people we have helped remind us that we can make a difference in the lives of people in difficult circumstances.

As we move toward becoming a full stewardship parish, the goal is to assist all parishioners in fulfilling the obligation to give alms to the poor, especially and above all in our local community. Our current budget management and collection system can limit our charitable collections to those who show up to Mass or use their envelopes regularly. Folks have been generous through the years to the Quarter Sunday collection. But stewardship puts the spirituality of tithing first and foremost. That means we don’t wait to be asked. We don’t give just according to the projects and people we personally favor. 

Later this year when we do our first yearly Catholic Stewardship Renewal, our parish will be in a much better position to plan our charitable giving and budget according to need. The Renewal process engages each and every parishioner in making a commitment of time, talent, and treasure. I am very much looking forward to this because of all the desired outcomes of moving to a stewardship model of tithing, being able to increase our direct charitable giving in our local community is the most important outcome. 

Again, let us recall the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Ultimately all of us will be judged by how we treat the most vulnerable. How we assist the poor is then going to be the best way to judge the success of our stewardship of the Lord’s blessings.