Pope's Lenten message says almsgiving conquers temptation of wealth

Published: 2008-01-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Almsgiving helps Christians conquer the constant temptation to become slaves to wealth and material goods, Pope Benedict XVI said in his 2008 message for Lent. The practice of almsgiving "represents a specific way to assist those in need and, at the same time, an exercise in self-denial to free us from attachment to worldly goods," the pope said in the message, released at the Vatican Jan. 29. The theme of the message is "Christ Made Himself Poor for You." Lent begins Ash Wednesday, which this year is Feb. 6. Easter is March 23. Jesus recognized that material riches possess an enormous "force of attraction," but he was resolute in confirming "how categorical our decision must be not to make of them an idol," the pope said. "Almsgiving helps us overcome this constant temptation, teaching us to respond to our neighbor's needs and to share with others whatever we possess through divine goodness," he said. The Lenten season is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, which aid in an "inward cleansing" that allows the Christian to welcome Easter with renewed spirit, he said.

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