Tithing is such an important gift to the Church. Yet, it can sometimes be a sensitive topic. After all, it can be uncomfortable, and maybe even confusing, when you feel like you have to give a portion of your hard-earned money on a regular basis. This is why I am so glad that my dad taught me to tithe as soon as I had my first job at the age of fourteen. His tithing lesson instilled in me that all I have is gift.
What is Tithing?
The word tithe comes from an Old English word meaning “a tenth part.” In the very first book of the Bible, we read the words from Jacob:
This stone that I have set up as a sacred pillar will be the house of God. Of everything you give me, I will return a tenth part to you without fail.
We also read in Leviticus 27:30,32 that:
All tithes of the land, whether in grain from the fields or in fruit from the trees, belong to the Lord; they are sacred to the Lord...The tithes of the herd and the flock, every tenth animal that passes under the herdsman's rod, shall be sacred to the Lord.
Traditionally, we give 10 percent of our income to the Church. Bthere is not a specific percentage of our wealth we are mandated to give. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 2449 that the Church talks about tithing as a matter of the Old Covenant. So it is not binding us in the New Covenant. However, we are still called to live by love.
If it is not a matter of putting food on the table, then 10% is a good percentage to tithe.
What is important is that we give what we are able and give from our heart. It reminds us that all we have is given to us from God. At the end of our life, we will be called to give an account of how we spent our treasure.
Why Do We Tithe?
Tithing is a recognition that 100% of what we have is God’s. One day we will be called to answer to how we spent our time, talent, and treasure.
If you have the means to tithe, then seriously pray and consider tithing. If however, you are in the red, and all of your funds are going towards school or paying off loans, start by putting $2.00 in the collection basket at Mass every Sunday.
It’s not entirely about how much we give, but that we make the sacrifice of giving. Remember the widow in Luke 21:1-4?
When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.
The Heart Behind Tithing
What does tithing look like for you and me? Is God calling you to give up a cup of coffee each week in order to put your “two small coins” into the collection basket? If it is, remember, Jesus saw her as giving “more than all the rest” because she gave all she have. We tithe because it is what we are taught in Scripture.
There is a mosaic in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome at the Altar of Ananias and Sapphira called “Altar of the Lie.” This image shows the story in Acts 5: 1-11 where a couple is punished for keeping money that they had said would be given to the Apostles. They lied to St. Peter about who they had given their money to. This image, which is a copy of a painting by Cristoforo Roncalli, is placed in front of where the priest walks out as he leaves the sacristy to celebrate Mass. It is placed there as a reminder that the priest is called to give himself totally to God while not holding anything back.
Where Should Our Tithe Money Go?
Our Parish
First, start with your local church. The Catechism says in paragraph 2179, “A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular church...It is the place where all the faithful can be gathered together for the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. The parish initiates the Christian people into the ordinary expression of the liturgical life...it teaches Christ’s saving doctrine; it practices the charity of the Lord in good works and brotherly love.”
Our parish gives so much to us. Just start with the Source and Summit of the Church, the Eucharist. I can’t think of a better place to tithe to then the very place which provides us with the grace to continue living our baptismal call each day. To live the Good News and share it with others. Finally, if every parishioner tithed to its parish, there is a good chance that parishes would not be suffering financially as severely as they are now.
Other Efforts
However, that is not to say that all of your tithe needs to go to your parish. If you would like to give a portion of your tithe to other things, consider the things you believe in and that are authentically doing God’s work. Look at the organizations that have made a meaningful impact on your spiritual life.
There is a pregnancy resource center near our home. Even though they are not explicitly religious, we strongly believe in their values and we give a portion of our tithe money to them.
We also give a portion to a non-profit which offers outdoor Catholic Youth Expeditions for high schoolers and young adults. This organization allowed both my husband and I to have a deeper encounter with Christ.
If you are an art-lover, consider commissioning a work of art for your Church. Or perhaps purchase a painting at your parish’s silent auction.
Most importantly, just ask the Holy Spirit where He is leading you to give. He will point you in the right direction.
Tithing: What, Why, and Where #BISblog //Click to tweet
Susanna Parent is a regular contributor to the BIS blog, speaker and a freelance writer. While a Wisconsin native, she now begins her mornings brewing French press coffee in the home she shares with her husband and children in the Twin Cities. When the sun sets, you’ll find her with friends enjoying a glass of red wine, preferably outside underneath twinkly lights. When not exploring all that the Twin Cities has to offer, she is indulging her wanderlust spirit by brainstorming their family's next new adventure. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Susanna's posts here.
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