Give Inside Alms

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 1:16-25; PS 19:2-3, 4-5; Lk 11:37-41
Notes: The question of Alms is usually reduced to the giving of money.

It goes like this (simplified):

• Tithe is the 10% you owe to the Church.
• Alms is the free-will offering above that amount and for any good purpose.

Far from it.
But it is understandable the confusion as the question is often posed in monetary forms.

Loans and Wages.
Deuteronomy 24:1-15

12-13:
If the person is poor, you shall not sleep in the pledged garment, but shall definitely return it at sunset, so that your neighbor may sleep in the garmentg and bless you. That will be your justice before the LORD, your God.
14:
You shall not exploit a poor and needy hired servant, whether one of your own kindred or one of the resident aliens who live in your land, within your gates.
15:
On each day you shall pay the servant’s wages before the sun goes down, since the servant is poor and is counting on them. Otherwise the servant will cry to the LORD against you, and you will be held guilty.

These are prescribed but also indicative of a path of righteousness.
A way of life.

It would be helpful to read the added text (at the bottom of the blog post) to the Sunday homily: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/10/10/naked-before-the-lord/

First reading
The one who is righteous by faith will live.

• Righteous – who does the divine work of restoration.
• Faith – faith in the one who is faithful in love, trust and Sabbath. The first three commandments.

Paul describes these things in one sweep the positive by using the negative image.

they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. (1st commandment).
Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, (2nd commandment).
and their senseless minds were darkened. (3rd commandment).

Responsorial Psalm
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Alleluia Verse
The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Gospel Portion
Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?
But as to what is within, give alms,
and behold, everything will be clean for you.

When one reorders their interior to righteousness and restoration, the world becomes a new place. All things become clean in that they are made by God who made all things good.

Then the “what to do” and “how to act” become simplified and pure and divine.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry