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Mark Shea  Other Articles by Mark SheaPrinter Friendly Version   Almsgiving March 6, 2007 One of the traditional emphases during Lent is the duty of "almsgiving". The tradition of the Church here comes straight out of ancient Israel and the duty that was enjoined upon the Jews by God to care for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. In many ways, ancient Israel was commanded to take care of the weakest and least in their midst. For obedience to this command, great mercies and benefits were promised. For disobedience, some of the most strenuous and frightening curses are...

Fr. Thomas Euteneuer  Other Articles by Fr. Thomas EuteneuerPrinter Friendly Version   Conversion Through Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving March 2, 2007 It's hard to believe that Ash Wednesday snuck up on us like a thief in the night, but here we are ready to turn over a new spiritual leaf again. Lenten conversion is not a superficial renewal like cleaning an old painting or varnishing an antique chair. These are renovations but are not conversions! What the Lord wants is not just the change of bad habits and worldly vices; He wants a clean soul and no half-measures will do....