Lent calls us deeper. Deeper into prayer. Deeper into fasting. Deeper into generosity. Lent calls us to a generosity that stretches us beyond comfort, beyond obligation, beyond the extra we happen to have.
When Jesus watched people putting money into the temple treasury, He didn’t praise the ones who gave large sums out of their abundance. Instead, He pointed out a poor widow who dropped in two small coins—everything she had to live on.
"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." (Mark 12:43-44)
She gave everything. And that’s exactly what Jesus asks of us.
Almsgiving: A Call to Radical Love
It’s easy to give when it doesn’t really cost us anything. A few extra dollars, an hour of free time, some clothes we no longer wear. But the widow’s offering was different. She gave when it hurt, not because she was a masochist, but because she loved God more than she feared her own lack.
True almsgiving isn’t about convenience. It’s about a love that empties itself the way Christ did:
“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Jesus emptied Himself completely out of love for us. Lent is an invitation to follow His example - not just in fasting or prayer, but in giving ourselves away for the sake of others.
The Church reminds us that this self-giving is at the very heart of Lent:
“Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, is traditionally suggested as a concrete expression of conversion. The Lord surprises us by giving Himself to us first.” (Pope Francis, Message for Lent, 2018)
Jesus gives Himself first, holding nothing back. The widow gave everything, trusting God completely. And we are called to do the same.
Almsgiving as Evangelization: The Widow’s Witness
The widow probably didn’t think anyone noticed her tiny offering. She didn’t seek attention or praise. But her act of sacrifice was so powerful that Jesus called His disciples over to see it.
Her radical trust in God evangelized.
She didn’t preach a homily. She didn’t teach a class. She didn’t lead a mission trip. But through her self-sacrificing love, she revealed the heart of God—so much so that Jesus made sure her witness was recorded for generations to come.
And that’s what happens when we give like she did.
When we give beyond our comfort, we testify to a world obsessed with self-preservation that there is something greater than wealth, security, and control. We show that God is trustworthy, that love is more powerful than fear, and that sacrifice leads to abundance.
How to Give Like the Widow This Lent
We may not be asked to give our last two coins, but we are called to give in a way that costs us something. This Lent, consider:
- Giving when it stretches you. Choose a financial sacrifice this Lent that actually requires you to trust God more - not just what’s easy to spare.
You budget carefully, and things are tight, but instead of giving from what's left over, you commit to supporting a ministry or family in need. You trust God to provide. Maybe you decide to sponsor a child through a Catholic mission, donate to a parish evangelization effort, or give up eating out once a week to support a local shelter.
- Forgiving lavishly. Ask God to reveal one person who needs your forgiveness, and then act on it.
Maybe you’ve had a strained relationship with a family member, friend, or coworker. Instead of avoiding them or holding onto resentment, be the one to reach out first, offering kindness, patience, and forgiveness - even if they don’t apologize. Consider sending a note, inviting them for coffee, or simply praying for their well-being.
- Trusting God with what you give. Identify one thing you’re holding back from God, and this Lent, give it freely—your time, money, control, or security—trusting that God will provide.
The poor widow in the Gospel gave everything because she trusted God. What’s something you cling to out of fear?
Maybe it’s your time. Do you resist volunteering because you feel overwhelmed?
Maybe it’s control. Do you hesitate to donate because you worry about financial security?
Maybe it's comfort and routine. Do you stick to what's safe and familiar rather than stepping outside your comfort zone?
- Offering your gifts more generously. Identify one skill or talent God has given you and intentionally use it to serve others this Lent.
If you're good at teaching, offer to lead an RCIA session or a small group Lenten Bible study.
If you love music, volunteer to sing at a nursing home or help with your parish’s Triduum liturgies - even if it makes you uncomfortable or self conscious.
If you’re a baker, make meals for families in need or bake for a fundraiser.
Consider how your Lenten almsgiving can focus on both financial giving, and on deeper spiritual surrender that makes us and others more open to God's love.
Lenten Almsgiving: A Tool for Evangelizing
Almsgiving Reveals Christ's Self-Giving Love
When we give in a way that costs us something—our time, comfort, financial security, or control—we mirror the very heart of the Gospel: Jesus giving everything for us. As our own hearts opened to the love and mercy of God, others begin to take notice. Our radical generosity disrupts the mindset of a world that teaches us to protect, hoard, and seek comfort at all costs. It makes people curious and is a powerful witness that God is real and worth trusting.
For example, a coworker struggling with finances sees you still donating joyfully or offering time to help others. They ask, “Why do you give when things are tight?” This opens the door for you to share about what Jesus has done for you through your generosity.
Almsgiving Builds Trust and Opens Conversations
Evangelization isn’t just about preaching. It’s about building relationships where people experience God’s love. When we give generously and personally, people feel seen, valued, and loved. Those who receive our gifts often experience God's love through human hands. Our radical generosity can also break down barriers of skepticism for people who may not trust the Church. They are much more likely to trust someone who genuinely loves and serves them.
Almsgiving Shows that God Can Be Trusted
The poor widow in Mark’s Gospel gave everything she had, and Jesus publicly praised her example. Why? Because her radical trust in God was a testimony to others. When we give sacrificially, we proclaim, "God is worth it." When people see us let go of control, money, or time for the sake of God, they begin to ask, "What would it be like to trust God that much?" Our radical generosity opens the door for us to invite others to consider trusting God as well.
When we, as parishes and communities, give sacrificially and transparently, we build trust—not only in God but in the Church itself. Evangelization flourishes when generosity is practiced both personally and communally
Lent is About Mission, Not Just Self-Improvement
Lent is not just a personal spiritual boot camp. As we are transformed, we are sent transform the world. Lent isn’t just a self-improvement season; it's about mission. Giving generously forms us as intentional disciples. When we give like Jesus—freely, sacrificially, and with joy—we become a living testimony of His love. Our actions open the doorway of trust so that we can share with others the life-changing invitation of Jesus.
Pope Benedict XVI put it beautifully:
"The deepest meaning of almsgiving is the exercise of charity, a charity that is generous and genuine. It is a call to follow Jesus in giving oneself unreservedly." (Message for Lent, 2008)
So this Lent, don’t just give something up. Give something away. Give yourself away. Let your generosity speak louder than words and proclaim the Gospel in action.
How can pastors, parish staff, and parish leadership create structures that help the entire parish engage in radical generosity?
The widow’s offering caught Jesus’ attention. This Lent, how will your generosity witness to your trust in Him?
How will you give like the widow this Lent?