During the Lenten season, the Church asks us to lean on three spiritual pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving, for our preparation for Easter. What is it and how can I give alms? Alms consists of goods given to the poor, or other charitable acts performed for them.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us an example of charity and almsgiving in the parable of the good Samaritan, when he healed the wounds of the one who had been beaten by thieves, and left money for his care before going on his way (Luke 10:29-37) and He also gave us a guide on how to perform acts of charity or mercy for our neighbor (Matthew 25:31-40).
Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God (CCC 2462)
The Church from its origins has a preferential love for those oppressed by poverty, thus following the teaching of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40), through innumerable charitable works. (CCC 2448)
We often attribute, in our social conscience, a negative meaning to the word “alms”. Various circumstances have contributed to this and continue to contribute to it today. We may not agree with the person who gives alms, because of the way in which he does it. We may also not be in agreement with the person who stretches out his hand asking for alms, in that he does not try to earn his own living. We may disapprove of the society, the social system, in which alms deeds are necessary. However, the fact itself of giving help to those who need it, must inspire respect (John Paul II General Audience 3/28/79 § 2)
Let us practice the three spiritual pillars that the Church asks of us in the Lenten season: prayer, as an opening to God; fasting, as an expression of self-mastery also in depriving oneself of something, in saying “no” to oneself; and finally alms, as opening “towards others”. The Gospel draws this picture clearly when it speaks to us of repentance, of “metanoia”. Only with a total attitude —in his relationship with God, with himself and with his neighbor— does man reach conversion and remain in the state of conversion. (John Paul II General Audience 3/28/79 § 3)