Part Three: Almsgiving

Introduction

For many years, almsgiving was the most neglected pillar of my spiritual life. I told myself I was being responsible, careful, realistic. What I was really doing was protecting myself from risk.

Last Lent, prayer softened my heart. Fasting strengthened my trust. And almsgiving became the place where faith was finally tested—and rewarded.

Here is how generosity completed the work God had begun.

Almsgiving: Trusting God Beyond Comfort

For many years, almsgiving had little place in my life. Finances had often felt tight, and I convinced myself that being “responsible” meant holding on tightly. During Lent, something shifted. I thought to myself: If prayer and fasting are already bearing so much fruit, what might happen if I added almsgiving with real trust?

The answer came quickly.

A seminarian was traveling from parish to parish asking for financial support for his seminary’s building fund. My initial reaction was resistance. I didn’t want to attend. I told myself I was already giving enough. But during Mass, the Lord placed a specific amount on my heart—an amount well beyond what felt comfortable.

I knew better than to argue.

I went home, logged on immediately, and made the donation. No negotiations. No delays.

Here is the truth the world does not understand: God cannot be outdone in generosity. By the end of Lent—after increased giving—I somehow had more money than I had ever had in my life. No raises. No windfalls I could logically explain. Only provision.

How did that happen?

Grace multiplied what trust released.

Easter Vigil: Seeing Clearly by the Light of Christ

On Holy Saturday night, I sat in a nearly empty church, saving seats as I waited for the Easter Vigil to begin. I was wearing a beautiful new size Medium dress. I had more money in the bank than ever before. And I was overwhelmed by the grace that had poured into my life in just six short weeks.

That Mass was glorious. The fire. The light. The readings. The sacraments. The music. I felt awe—not pride, not entitlement, but deep gratitude. I knew, beyond any doubt, that I had not done this alone. The Lord had done it with me and for me.

The Miracle: When Obedience Meets Vocation

The day after Easter Sunday, the final piece fell into place.

I began working for Beth, The Catholic Fasting Coach.

This is a job the Lord had been preparing me for my entire life—even during seasons when I could not see fruit or understand why certain experiences mattered. Suddenly, everything made sense. Skills, struggles, detours, and disciplines converged into a vocation that fit perfectly.

This is my dream job.

Beth once said she wanted a “wingman.” Her logo is a butterfly. I knew immediately: it was time to spread my wings.

Now, I attend daily Mass almost every day. I live right behind the church—just a six-minute walk. I work from home with flexibility. My life has become focused, more ordered, and more aligned with grace.

None of this is accidental. It is the fruit of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving lived in trust.

From Discipline to Divine Overflow

What I learned this Lent is something the Church has known for centuries: when we align ourselves with God’s order, grace rushes in. Prayer clears our vision. Fasting frees our hearts. Almsgiving opens our hands—and God fills them.

God does not promise ease, but He does promise abundance of the kind that actually satisfies. And sometimes, when we are faithful in little things, He entrusts us with much.

If you are wondering whether disciplined faith can truly change your life, let my story be your encouragement.

Lean in. Trust Him. Fast and pray. Give generously. And watch what the Lord can do in just six weeks.

He is still in the business of miracles.