REVERSE ALMS JUSTIFICATION [M. 3-18-24]

CHRIST IN WINTER: Reflections on Faith & Life for the Years of Winter—REVERSE ALMS JUSTIFICATION [M. 3-18-24]

 

I think another necessary Lenten discipline—one that I not usually listed by the ecclesial calendar makers—is accepting alms, not just giving them.

Justice is restored when there is equality between giver and receiver. It’s like the old auto mechanics who talked about “justifying” an engine. It was justified, ran correctly, when all its parts were working together in the correct ways. There is no alms justice when giving and receiving are out of balance.

One of the kindest things people have done for me in my old age is to accept alms from me. Not just money or stuff, but books, time, advice… You are accepting from me right now by reading what I am thinking.

After a lifetime of giving, in my old age there is little I can give, and even less that people want to receive from me. It is almost a work of supererogation for someone to accept something from my hand, or brain.

When someone does accept something from me—including reading what I write—that reminds me of who I am, reminds me of my calling, reminds me of who called me.

I am restored to wholeness not just by receiving the help that people give to me in my old age, but by being allowed to give help to others. You give me a gift by accepting my gift.

Individual personalities make a difference of course. There are old people who only want others to do for them. There are others who don’t want to accept any help at all. [They are usually the ones who cause the most trouble!]

This is true throughout life, regardless of age. Many folks can’t accept. They don’t want to be beholden. Others can’t give; they feel the world owes them an easy life.

If you are a giver, this Lent, practice receiving. If you’re a taker, this Lent, practice giving.

Lent is the time for working on the discipline at which you are least able. That way your personal life is justified. You are made whole.

John Robert McFarland