# Give generously: Lenten reflections on mercy
*2017-03-11*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis's Lenten teaching regarding the true meaning of almsgiving and leads a series of prayers for the sick and the beatification of holy servants of God.

## The True Meaning of Almsgiving

In continuing our daily Lenten reflections by Pope Francis, today's topic is 'Give Generously,' based on Matthew 10:8: 'You received without payment; give without payment.' Pope Francis reminds us that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three elements of our Lenten spiritual journey, and all three should be done without a need for public appearance.

It might seem simple to give alms, but we must not empty the gesture of its importance. The term 'alms' comes from the Greek word for mercy. Therefore, almsgiving must carry with it all the riches of mercy. It is meant to alleviate the hardship of those in need, not to bring praise or admiration to the giver. As the scripture suggests, we should give in such a way that our right hand does not know what our left hand is doing.

True almsgiving is not just a coin offered in haste without looking at the person. It is a gesture of love and sincere attention. It requires us to stop, look into the face of the person asking for help, and understand what they truly need. Pope Francis sets a high bar for us—one that reminds me of the example of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta—challenging us to ask: What might I give today to help someone who is in need?

## Consecration of the Sick to Our Lady

Today we offer a special Consecration of the Sick to Our Lady. I specifically lift up my aunt, Suzanne Law, who is facing surgery on March 13th for cancer. We pray that this surgery removes the cancer and stops it in its tracks.

In this prayer, we turn to the Virgin Mary, who was present at the crucifixion of her Son. We ask for her mercy on our suffering bodies and for relief and comfort through the merits of her sorrows. We entrust our health and our sufferings to her, asking for the faith to accept God's will and the gift of healing if it be His will.

## The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

We continue our spiritual practice with the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, meditating on the Humility of the Annunciation, the Love of Neighbor in the Visitation, the Poverty of Spirit in the Birth of Jesus, the Obedience of the Presentation, and the Joy of finding the Child Jesus in the Temple.

## Prayers for Beatification

Finally, we offer prayers for the beatification of the Servant of God, Frank Duff, and the Venerable Adele Quinn. We thank God for the insight Frank Duff had into the mystery of the Church and the Legion of Mary, asking that his holiness be acknowledged by the Church. We also pray through the intercession of Venerable Adele Quinn, who lived in the joy of God's presence, specifically asking for the return of prodigal children to the Lord.

*Almsgiving is not a mere transaction, but a sincere gesture of love and mercy that requires us to truly see and acknowledge the person in need.*