My dear brothers and sisters in Christ – February 2025
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we continue to embark together in our mission to share the Good News this year, I wanted to especially highlight the relationship between almsgiving and evangelization. When we extend a helping hand to a neighbor or contribute to the needs of our parishes, we open a window in the hearts and minds of those who do not share our faith for the breath and light of the Holy Spirit to transform our communities. Through almsgiving, one of the three pillars of Lent, along with prayer and fasting, we can be used as tools to bring healing, provision and protection to others.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we continue to embark together in our mission to share the Good News this year, I wanted to especially highlight the relationship between almsgiving and evangelization. When we extend a helping hand to a neighbor or contribute to the needs of our parishes, we open a window in the hearts and minds of those who do not share our faith for the breath and light of the Holy Spirit to transform our communities. Through almsgiving, one of the three pillars of Lent, along with prayer and fasting, we can be used as tools to bring healing, provision and protection to others.
Dating back to the Old Testament, our faith has a rich history and tradition of giving. Christ expounded on the teachings of the law and the prophets in his earthly ministry. Through his passion and death, we know that the most meritorious act we can make is offering our lives for the sake of others as Jesus did. Most of humanity is not called to endure martyrdom, but we can still be a gift to others through being generous with our time (Mt 5:21), renouncing worldly goods (Lk 18:22) and praying for the sake of our fellow brothers and sisters (Phil 1:9-11).
After Christ’s triumphant resurrection and ascension, the apostles continued to preach wisdom of how we are called to give. St. Paul highlighted the joy that we are called to experience in almsgiving: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:6-7). This was succinctly echoed by a great Father of the Church, St. Maximus the Confessor: “A charitable mind is not displayed simply in giving money; it is manifested still more by personal service as well as by the communication of God’s word to others.” In doing these, we are participating in the transformation of an unjust society and building the kingdom of God.
No joy can compare with the joy of sharing Christ with others! I thank you for embracing our shared Christian vocation to give the gift of the Living Word to everyone you encounter. Go forth, you are sent out!
“Let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church” (St. John Baptist de la Salle).
In Christ’s love,
Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS
Bishop of Charleston