Radical Charity

As we enter Holy Week, my heart and mind are drawn again into the profound mysteries of our faith – the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacred time offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on the depth of God's love for us and to respond in kind with acts of love and generosity towards others. At the same time, I reflect on the absurdity that I am a fundraiser. How did I get to a place where I ask others to give of their treasure? What does this mean for my spiritual walk as a Catholic? In this Paschal season, I find myself reminded…

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Christ gave the ultimate gift. He called the Apostles - broken men to follow him and spread the good news. He reached out to unlikely people and called them to great things. Mary Magdalene, Zacchaeus... ?During this pivotal week we are not just a called to charity but a profound participation in the Paschal Mystery itself. Maybe a little death to self.

In acts of giving, we are invited to share in Christ's self-emptying love, His kenosis, as St. Paul describes in Philippians 2:7. Our contributions, whether they be monetary, time, or talent, are a tangible expression of our desire to walk in the footsteps of Christ, even to Calvary, who gave everything for the sake of humanity. Each act of giving is a reflection of the Cross, where ultimate love and ultimate sacrifice meet.

?The Church teaches us that almsgiving is a work of justice pleasing to God (CCC 2462). During Holy Week, our fundraising efforts are imbued with this theological understanding, as we seek to grow the Kingdom of God through our works. Money is more than money. This is not merely philanthropy; it is a participation in the redemptive work of Christ. A gift (or asking others to join us in giving) is a response to the call of Lent to pray, fast, and give alms - these are our spiritual sacrifices, pleasing to God and how we join him in the salvific journey.

?We know how this story ends. At Easter, Christ conquers the grave. Death is no more! What better use of our funds than to build the Kingdom as we are reminded about in this holy season? ?Fundraising, is an act of evangelization, echoes the mission of the early Church as described in Acts of the Apostles. We allow ourselves as “empty vessels” to extend the love of Christ to the margins, to places where hope seems dim, or where change is needed. Through our collective efforts, we become a beacon of the Resurrection, a sign of hope that love triumphs over death, light over darkness.

?As we journey through these holy days, let us contemplate the Cross and the empty tomb. Let our giving be a prayer, a reflection of our gratitude for the unmeasurable gift of salvation we have received. May our actions this Holy Week be a testament to our faith, as we live out the commandment to love one another as He has loved us.

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