Eucharistic Congress
A historic event that will feed your soul and inspire your faith in a radical way
“The fifth precept means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the church, each according to his own ability. The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the church, each according to his own ability.”
“You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.”
- CCC §2043
Aboard a boat, stowaways take food and hide away to eat, stealing from the passengers both food and their hands in work. The boat of the church, the barque of Peter, is not worried about running out of food for our food is Christ and mysteriously more abundant when emptied, but she is concerned with the care of the hull for she wishes to strain her capacities to take on as many as she can. We, unlike most ships, welcome stowaways and island wrecked survivors. This unique hospitality requires the work of all our hands, no matter how capable, no matter when you came aboard. If you have not been providing for the needs of the church in some way, do not worry, rather, get to work! Provide for the ark that saves you, the body of the one that made you, each according to his means.
What to Give.
As for what the church requires— there is no rule as there was with the Jews in Christ’s time. The standard 10% tithe is no longer required of us. However, many use this 10% standard as a guide for financial giving. Striving to give at this level, not only to the church but also to the care of the poor, is commendable. However, there are other ways to give, especially if you are not in a position to give to this extent. Supporting the church financially in any way is beautiful but God also loves when we pour out our other gifts upon Him— art, time, talents, treasure, etc… Ask yourself what you are capable of giving, what God is asking of you, and give joyfully.
Giving in Love.
Giving as God gives means loving as God loves, not in expectation of a return, for what can God hope to add to himself, being perfect? Rather, he empties himself for our benefit. It is famously difficult to give a true gift like this. We often hope to receive something in return— honor, other gifts, the comfort of “being a good person,” etc… But Christ tells us not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing, so that our alms may be in secret. He promises our Father in heaven who sees all things will then reward you. So forget yourself in your giving, give for the love of God, and think nothing of it.
“When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
- Matthew 6:3-4
