Vatican City, Apr 9, 2016 / 04:44 am
In Saturday's address for the monthly Jubilee of Mercy general audience, Pope Francis said almsgiving is not just about the money; it is about being attentive to the actual needs of the person asking for help.
"Almsgiving is a gesture of love which directs us toward those we meet," the Pope said in his catechesis. "It is a gesture of sincere attention to those who come to us and ask our help."
"We should not identify almsgiving simply with a (hastily given) monetary offering" he said, "without looking at the person, and without stopping to talk, to understand what they really need."
In off-the-cuff remarks, the Pope challenged the faithful as to whether they are able to "stop and look in the face, look in the eyes, of the person who is asking for my help."