Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us

Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us

Saint Francis of Assisi is widely known for his dedication to serving the poor and marginalized in society. His life and teachings exemplify the importance of giving alms to those in need as a way of fulfilling a moral obligation and showing compassion towards others. The quote, “Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us,” reflects Francis’ belief in the spiritual significance of giving to the less fortunate.

For Saint Francis, almsgiving was not just a charitable act, but a fundamental aspect of living a Christian life. He saw it as a way of following in the footsteps of Jesus, who preached love and compassion for all people, especially the poor and downtrodden. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs his followers to give to those in need, saying, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35). Francis took these words to heart and made it his mission to care for the poor and show them kindness and generosity.