Almsgiving, sharing bring us closer to God and men, Pope says

(March 11, 2011) Almsgiving and sharing with those in need, especially Lent, not only help combat poverty in the world but also bring us closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI made the observation to members of the Pro Petri Sede Association of Belgium that supports the Pope’s work for the poor. Some 45 members of the group came to the Vatican on Friday to donate a collection to the Pope’s charity. With Lent just started on Ash Wednesday, Pope Benedict told the association that the 40-day period is an invitation to conversion through fasting, prayer and sharing that bring us closer to others and help fight poverty. He said that charity, which is the expression of God’s solicitude for all men, belongs to the nature of the Church. Without love and the bond it creates, a gift is no gift at all. By sharing with our neighbours, we experience the fullness of God’s love. Thus almsgiving is an invitation to conversion which brings us closer to God. The Holy Father thanked the Pro Petri Sedem Association for their generous contribution which, he said, can go a long way to help the poor people, such as those in Haiti.