We can respond to all kinds of inevitabilities with generosity and action. I'm unemployed so I'm taking this blog post in a more abstract way than you may have intended it. Only be not resigning to the "inevitabilities" of the job market, the economy, etc. will I get myself back in a position to better help the poor.
The tedious homilies one hears when this Matthean pericope comes around always seem to echo the refrain "Now it's not a sin to be wealthy..." cause me to cringe, or at worst feel sick to my stomach. For reasons that are clear to any person of good faith, whenever we come to Christ's commandments about wealth, poverty, and alms we make absurd excuses to decline to follow that straight and narrow path. His command is clear both in his words and as the dead naked God-Man: total and utter renunciation of all wealth, status, and comfort. The lives of the desert Fathers also follow this pattern. For some reason, we think we can become holy and somehow skirt around this obvious and clear vision of sanctity evident in the life of Christ and his holy ones. Obviously, there are wealthy saints. They are exceptions to the rule. Their wealth is not what saved them, but rather their liberality. They are saved in spite of their wealth recognizing it as the vanity of this age.
It is not the food but rather the hardness of our hearts. So many think 'food=love" forgetting food is food. In US it is not hunger but misplaced eating. As to 'the" poor, He was right. If all of us had $1M but one had $999,999, he would be poor. There will always be poor amongst us but on this day, in our country, it still is not the food we celebrate but the disparity within each heart for those less fortunate in so many things. Lord, have mercy.
"Among the first Christians, no one was in need, because those who owned land or homes willingly sold everything and brought the proceeds from the sale to the apostles, who helped all the needy from this common treasury."
Bishop Averky, commentary, volume two, Acts of the Apostles
Great article, thank you. Shared with my parish email group.
That’s kind of you, thank you! I hope people find it a helpful read.
We can respond to all kinds of inevitabilities with generosity and action. I'm unemployed so I'm taking this blog post in a more abstract way than you may have intended it. Only be not resigning to the "inevitabilities" of the job market, the economy, etc. will I get myself back in a position to better help the poor.
That’s a beautiful read! God grant you a renewed stability and opportunity to share your talents!
The tedious homilies one hears when this Matthean pericope comes around always seem to echo the refrain "Now it's not a sin to be wealthy..." cause me to cringe, or at worst feel sick to my stomach. For reasons that are clear to any person of good faith, whenever we come to Christ's commandments about wealth, poverty, and alms we make absurd excuses to decline to follow that straight and narrow path. His command is clear both in his words and as the dead naked God-Man: total and utter renunciation of all wealth, status, and comfort. The lives of the desert Fathers also follow this pattern. For some reason, we think we can become holy and somehow skirt around this obvious and clear vision of sanctity evident in the life of Christ and his holy ones. Obviously, there are wealthy saints. They are exceptions to the rule. Their wealth is not what saved them, but rather their liberality. They are saved in spite of their wealth recognizing it as the vanity of this age.
Beautifully and powerfully said, thank you!
It is not the food but rather the hardness of our hearts. So many think 'food=love" forgetting food is food. In US it is not hunger but misplaced eating. As to 'the" poor, He was right. If all of us had $1M but one had $999,999, he would be poor. There will always be poor amongst us but on this day, in our country, it still is not the food we celebrate but the disparity within each heart for those less fortunate in so many things. Lord, have mercy.
Lord have mercy, indeed!
"Among the first Christians, no one was in need, because those who owned land or homes willingly sold everything and brought the proceeds from the sale to the apostles, who helped all the needy from this common treasury."
Bishop Averky, commentary, volume two, Acts of the Apostles
This is a powerful and challenging witness for us today!
Powerful writing, and very persuasive. I needed to read this. Thank you for your service, Br. Steven.
Thank you, Father!