Office for Social Ministry
“When Jesus looked up, he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury, and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.’” (Lk 21:1-4)
Every year, as the holidays approach, we hear that familiar phrase “the season of giving.” The Christmas season provides the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of “giving,” including almsgiving or “charity” from a Christian perspective.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus notices a poor widow quietly dropping two small coins into the temple treasury. Her gift is tiny, yet her offering is huge. Jesus tells his disciples she has given more than anyone else —because she gave all she had, humbly and wholeheartedly.
Her offering may be small in monetary value, but it is immeasurable in love. This is the wholehearted almsgiving or charity that a prayerful Advent and the Christmas season can inspire.
Pope Leo XIV, in his recent writing, “Dilexi Te,” says, “Whatever form it may take, almsgiving will touch and soften our hardened hearts.” He reminds us that the Gospel call to generosity is a hallmark of our Catholic tradition.
The pope points out that St. John Chrysostom preached passionately that charity is inseparable from worship: “Almsgiving is the wing of prayer. If you do not provide your prayer with wings, it will hardly fly.”
Giving all year long
As we gather to worship giving thanks to God in the Eucharist, we will be nourished and sent to serve, sharing what we have received with others in need. We witness to Jesus in this sacrament of giving year-round.
In Hawaii, we recently experienced this Eucharistic charity while participating in the thriving Apostleship of the Sea Ministry-Hawaii, also known as the seafarers’ ministry.
Throughout the year, Honolulu Harbor receives fishing vessels from around the world — many crewed by Filipino, Vietnamese and Indonesian longline fishermen who spend months, sometimes years, away from their families and who are restricted to their boats during their stay here on piers 36-38.
These “foreign” fishermen supply much of the fresh ahi that graces our holiday tables, yet their lives are often marked by isolation and unseen sacrifice.
Once a month, parish volunteers gather to bring them supplies — fresh fruit, canned goods and clothing — and to celebrate Eucharist on the docks.
During the liturgy, the seafarers’ reverent giving thanks is profound. Some are not Catholic, yet all know the meaning of fellowship and shared blessing. There’s always a potluck supper afterward, filled with laughter and the smell of home-cooked dishes.
It is so moving to experience these men — weary from weeks at sea — sharing with volunteers what is given and received with one another.
Sharing care and respect
We all long for what many may take for granted: a meal with family, a table where no one is left out or behind, the embrace of community. We are reminded that giving is not only providing material goods, but it is sharing presence, recognition, dignity.
This giving isn’t about quantity; it’s about heart. It’s the spirit of being connected to “Emmanuel, God with us,” through wholehearted, humble giving, sharing what we have and who we are as brothers and sisters all.
As we enter Advent and prepare for Christmas, the call to give goes beyond “seasonal charity” — it’s an invitation to witness to Jesus by loving wholeheartedly with all we have.
Giving doesn’t only mean writing a check or dropping off a donation, it also means showing up and sharing with a caring presence.
During this season of giving, there are many opportunities for helping our brothers and sisters in need: serving meals at Aunty Carmen’s Kitchen at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church in Waikiki or Hale Kau Kau at St. Theresa Church in Kihei, Maui, with those who are without shelter or homebound; sorting out donations of food and clothing at community organizations such as the Institute for Human Services on Oahu or Hope Services Hawaii on Hawaii island working with unsheltered individuals and families; contributing to the “Star Light, Star Bright” celebration where mothers in the Women’s Community Correctional Center can connect and reunite with their ohana at Christmas time; and supporting parish food drives and Christmas Giving Trees or visiting kupuna in care homes, singing carols with those who may feel alone or forgotten.
These are places where the miracle of the widow’s mite is repeated in how deeply and wholeheartedly we give of ourselves. All these examples of loving Christian charity and sharing transform ordinary moments into sacred holiday encounters.
For more information on how to engage in social “giving” ministry this holiday season (and year-round), please visit www.officeforsocialministry.org.
Pope Leo writes, “Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers and reconciles enemies… Love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it.” When we give this way, we are participating in healing and sustaining the fabric of our shared humanity.
In this season of giving, let’s give as the widow did — trusting that God transforms and multiplies what we give each other through our shared vulnerability. When we give from our need, we make room for Christ to be born again in our midst. May our hearts be the gift we share and place in the manger scene this Christmas season.
Mahalo,
Your friends in the Office for Social Ministry