Catholic Saints Podcast Summary: St. Lawrence on the Role of Almsgiving

Podcast Information:

• Title: Catholic Saints
• Host/Author: Augustine Institute
• Episode: St. Lawrence on the Role of Almsgiving
• Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction

In the August 10, 2025 episode of the Catholic Saints podcast, produced by the Augustine Institute, host Tim Gray and scripture scholar Dr. Michael Barber delve into the life of St. Lawrence, exploring his profound commitment to almsgiving and its enduring significance within the Catholic tradition.

St. Lawrence: A Model of Almsgiving

St. Lawrence, celebrated as a martyr of the early church, served as the Archdeacon of Rome. In this role, he was responsible for managing the church’s charitable activities, particularly focusing on serving the poor and needy. Tim Gray emphasizes Lawrence’s courage and generosity during a time of persecution:

Tim Gray [00:02]: "St. Lawrence was in charge as archdeacon of Rome of the giving the alms, giving to the poor... he gave all those treasures and dispersed all those goods as alms to the poor and the needy. [He] showed them the poor and the blind, the lame."

Lawrence's act of defiance—distributing the church's treasures to the poor instead of surrendering them to the emperor—highlights his unwavering commitment to charity over wealth.

Biblical Foundations of Almsgiving

The discussion transitions to the biblical underpinnings of almsgiving, referencing key scriptures that underscore its importance:

• Proverbs 19:17: "He who is generous or lends to the poor is making a loan to the Lord."
• Deuteronomy 15: Emphasizing the Jewish tradition of charity.
• Book of Tobit: A testament to almsgiving as a form of sacrifice and righteousness.
• Sirach 35:12: "Give to the most High as he is given and as generously as you are able. For the Lord is the one who repays and he will repay you sevenfold."

Dr. Barber elaborates on how these texts have historically shaped the church's approach to charity:

Dr. Michael Barber [05:59]: "It's rooted in Scripture... almsgiving purifies. If we're not reading these stories in Scripture, then what's going to happen? It's not going to form who we are."

Historical Context: Early Church vs. Reformation

Gray and Barber contrast the early church’s dedication to almsgiving with the shifts that occurred during the Reformation. Martin Luther criticized the Catholic Church for misusing almsgiving funds to build grand cathedrals, arguing that such actions diverted resources away from the needy. This led to Protestant nations adopting state-managed almsgiving through taxation, a practice met with resistance in Catholic countries like Spain, where traditional philanthropy remained favored over state intervention.

Exploring the Book of Tobit

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Book of Tobit, illustrating the Jewish roots of almsgiving:

• Tobit’s Life of Charity: Tobit, a devout Israelite and successful businessman, exemplifies humility and generosity by burying the dead and performing acts of almsgiving despite his wealth and status.

Tim Gray [08:27]: "He feeds the hungry. He clothes the naked. All these beautiful corporal works of mercy Tobit’s embodying."

• Tobit’s Lessons: Tobit advises his son Tobias to engage in righteous deeds and almsgiving, assuring that such acts will lead to divine prosperity and spiritual fulfillment.

Tim Gray [10:14]: "Do not be afraid to give according to the little that you have... you can't be more generous with God than he will be with you."

Almsgiving and Prayer: A Symbiotic Relationship

Gray links almsgiving with prayer, referencing how genuine generosity enhances one's prayer life and spiritual purity:

Dr. Michael Barber [22:10]: "You know, if you say you love the Lord, but you're not loving your neighbor, then you're not really doing what the Lord has asked."

This connection underscores the idea that generosity to others forms the foundation for deep intimacy with God.

Almsgiving in the Book of Acts: The Story of Cornelius

The podcast draws parallels between Tobit and the Book of Acts, particularly the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion whose sincere almsgiving and prayers pave the way for his conversion and baptism:

Dr. Michael Barber [21:17]: "He gave alms generously to the people and prayed continually to God."

Cornelius's acts of charity are depicted as sacrifices accepted by God, paralleling Tobit's substitution of almsgiving for traditional sacrificial offerings.

Modern Implications and Encouragement

Gray highlights the contemporary relevance of almsgiving, cautioning against relying solely on state-managed charity:

Dr. Michael Barber [05:59]: "If we're not reading these stories in Scripture, then what's going to happen? It's not going to form who we are."

He advocates for personal generosity as a means to spiritual growth and alignment with God's intentions.

Conclusion: The Eternal Reward of Almsgiving

The episode culminates with reflections on the eternal rewards promised for acts of charity:

Sirach 35:12 [26:50]: "The Lord is the one who repays and he will repay you sevenfold."

Tim Gray ties this promise to the teachings of Jesus, who assures believers of a hundredfold reward in the afterlife for their sacrifices in the present life. This divine incentive encourages faithful almsgiving as a path to both earthly and heavenly blessings.

Tim Gray [27:07]: "God the Father wants to incentivize giving because he knows that nothing conforms our hearts more closely to Jesus Christ His Son, than generosity and generosity to those who can't repay you."

Final Reflections

Throughout the episode, Gray and Barber underscore the transformative power of almsgiving, not only as an act of charity but as a profound spiritual practice that aligns believers with divine will and prepares them for eternal life. By revisiting the lives of saints like St. Lawrence and drawing from rich biblical narratives, the podcast reinforces the timeless significance of generosity in the Catholic faith.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gray [00:02]: "St. Lawrence was in charge... he showed them the poor and the blind, the lame."
• Dr. Michael Barber [05:59]: "It's rooted in Scripture... almsgiving purifies."
• Dr. Michael Barber [22:10]: "If you say you love the Lord, but you're not loving your neighbor, then you're not really doing what the Lord has asked."
• Sirach 35:12 [26:50]: "The Lord is the one who repays and he will repay you sevenfold."

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the substantive content discussed in the podcast.