We are halfway through our Lenten journey, and as we reflect on things we can do to grow in holiness during this time, we turn to one of the pillars of Lent: almsgiving.

This week, the fourth installment of our special five-part Lenten reflection series with the Sisters of Life features Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., who reminds us that true almsgiving begins with love.

While many think of almsgiving as simply giving money or doing good works, Sister Faustina reminds us that its roots lie in mercy. The word “alms” comes from a Greek word meaning pity or mercy. True almsgiving, then, is not about the material offering, but the love that fuels it.