“When it comes to almsgiving, even if its extremely small, do it!”
Matthew McKenna
Who Is Matthew Mckenna?
Matthew McKenna is a Ph.D candidate in Theology at Ave Maria University. He studies and teaches on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien. His dissertation-in-progress explains the link between the masculine genius and the priesthood.
In this episode, I talk to Matthew McKenna about tithing and almsgiving. He explains: i. What does tithing mean and how much are we expected to tithe ii. What is almsgiving and how much is expected? iii. What about those in difficult circumstances or struggling financially?
Do you Tithe?
I found Matthew after reading his article on Catholic Exchange. And he very kindly agreed to do this episode. He talks about the Biblical and Torah origins of this practice of tithing.
I remember watching my mother do this and did this every time I earned something, sometimes joyfully, sometimes fearfully, sometimes grudgingly. It’s always been hard to trust God and say, despite everything I need, I’m giving this to you. However, I have to say that you will never see how much effect and how far ever every cent goes or has in educating, supporting and building the church.
When it came to almsgiving, my parents committed a certain amount of their earnings annually to certain ministries, the Salesians in training in Matunga and the St Michael’s church in Mahim. Every few years when we went on vacation to India, my parents would do whatever they could to further these ministries. Now even, after my dad has gone, I see the fruit of it all when I see how these ministries have blossomed. I know a friend who always asks the Lord in prayer where she should give alms. And she says the Lord always points someone to her. If you’re not sure, ask the Holy Spirit to show you.
Matthew talks about tithing by definition being one tenth of our first fruits. I love how he talks about the distinction between tithing and almsgiving. Even if it’s sacrificing a coffee and a couple of dollars. Giving to God and giving to the poor is something that we see very clearly in the Bible.
Proverbs 19:17 (“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done”) and Deuteronomy 15:11 (“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land”).
“Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17. God has no need for our money but His church does. Do you tithe? How much?
Fruits of Giving
Matthew talks about how he has seen his own trust in God increase by this practice. Out total surrender is contrary to the world’s teaching that we are in control of everything. God only asks that we submit to Him, just as a child would to their parent out of complete love and trust knowing that God does what’s best for us.
I have seen this too. I remember the time when my dad had died and I was struggling with just bread and noodles for months, the Lord came through and provided somehow. It was always in the nick of time. God does take care of us. We need to obey and trust Him.
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