In giving alms to the poor, do you look at them in the eyes?
This question was raised by Pope Francis during his address to the monthly Jubilee of Mercy general audience at the Vatican on Saturday, the Catholic News Agency reports.
The Pope reminded the faithful that almsgiving is not just about giving money but also about being mindful of the actual needs of the person asking for help.
"Almsgiving is a gesture of love which directs us toward those we meet," Pope Francis said.
"We should not identify almsgiving simply with a monetary offering without looking at the person, and without stopping to talk, to understand what they really need," he added.
Almsgiving, he said, "must carry with it all the richness of mercy," pointing out that the Italian word for alms – "elemosina" – is derived from the Greek and references "mercy."
"God demands particular attention to the poor—the destitute, foreigners, orphans, and widows," he said.
The Pope recalled a passage from Deuteronomy: "You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging."
He said giving to those in need requires "an attitude of interior joy" and should not be seen as a "weight or annoyance from which we free ourselves hastily."
Departing from his prepared speech, the Pope then spoke off the cuff on the reason some people say to justify their dislike for almsgiving. When you give money to the poor, they will just use it "to buy wine and get drunk," they would say.
"But if he is drunk, it is because he does not have another path!" the Pope said. "And you, what do you do in hiding, that no one sees? And you judge that poor man who asks for a coin [to buy] a glass of wine?"
Pope Francis then reminded the faithful on what Jesus Christ told his followers: Do not give to the poor in order to receive "praise and admiration."
He said almsgiving should be considered a sacrifice. "I am depriving myself of something of mine to give to you," he said.
Concluding his catechesis, the Pope urged parents to teach their children the virtue of generosity.
