The Pillars of Lent

March 20, 2026

The Pillars of Lent

As faithful Catholics we know that lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we practice self-control through fasting; and we serve by giving alms;

Almsgiving is one of the central spiritual practices of the Catholic Church, especially during the season of Lent. Along with prayer and fasting, almsgiving helps us grow closer to God by turning our hearts toward others.

The word “almsgiving” simply means giving to those in need. It can include money, food, clothing, or other material support. But it also includes giving our time, attention, and compassion. At its heart, almsgiving is an act of love.

In the Gospel of Matthew (6:1–4), Jesus teaches about giving in a quiet and humble way. He reminds us not to give for praise or recognition, but out of sincere love for God and neighbor. Almsgiving is not about looking generous; it is about becoming generous. It shapes our hearts to be more like Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) explains that almsgiving is a witness to fraternal charity and a work of justice pleasing to God (CCC 2462). This means that when we give to those in need, we are not simply performing a kind act. We are recognizing the dignity of every person as a child of God. We are also responding to Christ’s words: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Almsgiving teaches us detachment from material things. When we share what we have, we remember that everything we possess is ultimately a gift from God. We become less focused on ourselves and more aware of the needs around us.

In simple terms, almsgiving is love in action. It is faith made visible. Whether through a small donation, a meal shared, or time spent helping someone in need, every act of generosity draws us closer to Christ and helps build His Kingdom here on earth.