Episode Transcript  

One

Jesus Gives the Remedy

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays down the triple path of spiritual freedom. He doesn’t say “if” but “when you pray… when you fast… when you give alms.” (Matthew 6). These are not side options for extra-credit Christians; they are the way to healing and happiness.

Prayer lifts us out of pride by placing us in friendship with God. Fasting frees us from lust and disordered desires by teaching us to say no to lesser goods. Almsgiving breaks greed by untying the grip of money on our hearts. Through these three practices, Jesus reorders our hearts so that God becomes our true treasure.

Two

Almsgiving Breaks the Power of Money

Most of us don’t think we love money, but we are preoccupied with it. We worry about jobs, savings, education, retirement, taxes, and bills. Jesus warns, “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).
Almsgiving is the remedy: every time we give, we say with our actions that God is my security, not my bank account. Generosity purifies the heart, loosens anxiety, and declares that we trust in the Father’s care. The more we give, the freer we become.

The biblical standard is 10%: 4% to your parish, 1% to your diocese, and 5% to charities that serve the poor and advance the Gospel.

Three

Giving to Christ Himself

Our almsgiving is not primarily about solving problems or funding programs. We give to Christ Himself, who identifies with both His Church and the poor. To Saul, Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). Of the poor, He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40).
Once we give, it belongs to God. Like the offerings in Leviticus, once placed on the altar, the sacrifice is His. Even if others misuse it, Christ receives it.

Four 

Fasting: Training in Freedom
Every temptation is a twisted offer of a good thing at the wrong time, in the wrong way, for the wrong reason. Fasting trains us to say no to lower goods so we can say yes to God. Jesus fasted to prepare for His battle with Satan. If we never deny ourselves, we will not be ready for temptation when it comes.
Fasting includes more than food: we fast from entertainment, gossip, news addiction, screens, comfort, and every attachment that enslaves us. As Mary said, “With prayer and fasting, you can stop wars and suspend the laws of nature.” Fasting is power.

Five

Prayer: Friendship That Changes Us

Jesus says, “When you pray, go into your room and pray to your Father in secret.” (Matthew 6:6).
Prayer is not merely reciting words; it is friendship. We speak to God about what’s truly on our hearts, listen to His Word, reflect, and form resolutions.
St. Francis de Sales warns that meditation without resolution leads to self-deception. Every prayer should end with a concrete resolution: Today I will not complain. Today I will listen more. Today I will replace anxiety with trust. Even at Mass, we should listen attentively, reflect deeply, and always leave with one resolution to practice. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the triple command of Jesus, are not burdens, but the road to freedom and happiness. By them, we are purified, reordered, and made capable of loving God above all.

Suggested Resolutions:

Choose one resolution for today to help you grow closer to God, or create your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you. 

• By fasting, we practice saying no to lesser goods for the sake of greater ones. Choose something small, like screentime, sweets, or luxuries, to give up every Friday.

• If you’re not already practicing almsgiving, take the next step to give 4% to your parish, 1% to your diocese, and 5% to charities that serve the poor and advance the Gospel.

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