Almsgiving is an encounter

Almsgiving is impoverished when lived as dropping a coin to avoid looking further. It may relieve something, but it leaves the distance intact. When you help while looking at the person, the gesture changes. You do not only give; you receive a call to go out of yourself, give thanks for what you have, and recognize Christ in the person in need. Charity does not buy peace of mind. It trains your heart to share life better.