Almsgiving
Giving of alms to the poor has been a practice of man throughout all ages. Christ lifted it up to a new place when he charged us to love our brothers as ourselves. Almsgiving is in essence the giving of one's goods to those who need them. Almsgiving knows no faces except the face of Christ. Whether to recipient of the alms will use them for good or for ill is not the primary concern of the almsgiver. What is most important is that the almsgiving is willing to give of themselves, selflessly, without stipulation, just as God showers his gifts upon us despite our unworthiness.
Personal Almsgiving
You may be tempted to think that you can do your almsgiving by merely giving to your local Saint Vincent de Paul Society or Good Will or any other number of charities that serve the poor. You should give to these groups, but the truth is that there will be other times, personal times, when you will be called to give. When you encounter situations with family, or friends, or coworkers, or enemies, or the poor and homeless on the street where you can give to them not just out of your abundance but perhaps even until it hurts a little. Remember, if the person standing in front of you asking for change was Jesus, wouldn't you give them all you had? If your brother who needs to be bailed out were Jesus, wouldn't you bail them out?
This isn't to say that you should go out of your way to find these situations or that Prudence has no say in the matter. The truth lies in putting yourself and your works in the hands of God and going where He directs you. When you find yourself in an almsgiving situation and you are the one whom God wishes to take action, then you will know, and then you will have to decide whether or not to follow God's will or not.
