Jesus didn't wash His dishes and the Pharisees were appalled. The Lord said to them: "You Pharisees! You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but within you are filled with rapaciousness" (Lk 11:39). Jesus then challenged the Pharisees to give alms so as to be cleansed from their sins (Lk 11:41). The Lord did not mean to say that money could buy forgiveness, but called for an outward sign to express an interior conversion. John the Baptizer did the same thing when he demanded from religious leaders some evidence that they meant to reform (Mt 3:8). Since the Pharisees were avaricious men (Lk 16:14), almsgiving would be a sign of sincere repentance.

We also are focused on money and the things money can buy. Therefore, almsgiving may be a good way for us to express an interior change of heart. Go to Confession, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your conscience, then make a very generous contribution to the Lord's work. The Lord does not need our money. He lets us give for our benefit, not His. He does not need to receive; He is the almighty God. However, we need to give as an outward expression of interior conversion.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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