64. The Soul
In this last edition before Easter, The Soul focuses on almsgiving, one of the key practices we try to develop during our Lenten preparation. We continue to pray for those affected by war and natural disasters; may they also be the focus of our almsgiving.
St John Chrysostom was filled with righteous anger when he looked at the good life people were living in the imperial court in the late fourth century. In the name of God, he raged and spoke out against those who owned toilet seats made of gold, while other people starved in cold hovels.
In the wake of the floods and the events unfolding in Ukraine, many like St John Chrysostom, have raged at the injustice and economic disparity of our time. In times of adversity these are often highlighted, especially when those on the fringes are pushed further out by circumstances beyond their control. In an article Introduction to Lent: Almsgiving by Mike Aquilina, he wrote, ‘We are living high, but are we giving high?’ He explains that ‘[almsgiving] is prayer and it involves fasting. And almsgiving is a form of prayer because it is "giving to God" - and not mere philanthropy. It is a form of fasting because it demands sacrificial giving - not just giving something, but giving up something, giving till it hurts.’
A basic principle of Catholic Social Teaching is the universal destination of goods. The Catechism explains this as, ‘The goods of creation are destined for the entire human race’ (n. 2452). We need to give to God, whom we meet and see the face of in each and every person. Therefore if we are to live by the Catholic Social Teaching, then we need to give.
This is the kind of giving we have seen in recent weeks. Giving of treasure but also of time and talents. And we’ve seen this giving until it hurts. We’ve seen it in the face of strangers driving tinnies, shovelling mud and cleaning homes, volunteers in donation centres and in colleagues going above and beyond their normal tasks to reach out to others. This is sacrificial giving. This is almsgiving.
Like the online Mass, Bishop Greg’s Lenten Talks have been viewed thousands of times. Help prepare yourself for Easter through these inspiring talks from our leader: Lenten Talk 1, Lenten Talk 2, Lenten Talk 3 and Lenten Talk 4.
- Formed in Prayer is a reflection on the forthcoming Sunday Gospel developed by the Catholic Leaders Formation Network (CLFN).
Make sure to check out Wildfire’s newest worship release, Moments of Mercy EP, available on Spotfiy, Apple Music and YouTube.
- Wood and Nails (The Porter’s Gate) - Heavenly Father, you call us to praise You in all things. Show us how to become Your instruments of love and peace in our community.
- For All My Life (Taya) - “You say, ‘Your burden's light', so I'll let You lead me for all my life.” Taya reminds us of God’s grace and love through difficult moments of life.
- Easter Worship (Spotify Playlist) - Enhance your Easter experience these school holidays with a curated worship playlist of new and old Easter music, carefully chosen for you.
- The Face of God (Karen Drucker) - This reflective song reminds us that we can see God’s face in all those we meet when we give alms; so when we give to others we give to God.
A roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations and emerging even stronger than before.
The American Psychological Association states that resilience involves behaviours, thoughts and actions that we can learn and develop with time and intentionality. By focusing on the following core components we can learn from difficult encounters and experience personal growth.
This ABC Radio Episode explores questions many of us have faced recently. We all want life to get back to normal as soon as possible after we’ve experienced any sort of disaster. But what is recovery? And how will we know when we’ve found it?
- With a few weeks still to go of the Lenten Season, you might find some ideas for your own family to consider different ways to give alms or you might like to share this with your parent community.
- This video of the students at St Joseph's South Murwillumbah Minyma Retreat from 2021 is a great reminder of the focus of our work.
- “Elements” is an online initiative by Catholic Youth Parramatta offering content for youth ministers to use in their respective parishes, schools and movements.
- Read the latest blog from Br Damien Price - Saying ’No’ and Finding Life.
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