The third prong of Lent is almsgiving. The Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2462 states: almsgiving is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." Most people think of almsgiving as giving money to those in need. But it also includes what we have referred to as stewardship: time, talent and money. 

Lent is a special time for us to become more conscious of those who are less fortunate than us. Besides giving extra during Lent to a worthy charity, do we share some time carrying for others in need? Do we look into our clothes closet and donate what we are no longer wearing to those who have less? Do we call someone who is alone to see how they are doing? Do we provide a meal for some one who is elderly and alone? There will be many such grace moments that God will provide us during Lent to stir our generosity to action. As we pray during Lent, ask God to help us to be more attentive to what he wants us to do, sharing our blessings with others. We don't have to look for extraordinary things in far away places. The opportunities are all around us. "What you do to the least, you did to me."