Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Well for the man who is gracious and lends... who gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure for ever



Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 16:19-31.

There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.'
Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.'
He said, 'Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house,
for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.'
But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.'
He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Commentary of the day
Saint Basil (c.330-379), monk and Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Doctor of the Church
Homily 6 against wealth; PG 31, 275-278

"Well for the man who is gracious and lends... who gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure for ever" (Ps 112[111], 5,9)

However are you going to answer the supreme judge, you who drape your walls but do not clothe your fellow? you who dress your hair but do not so much as glance at your brother in distress?... you who hoard your gold but fail to assist the oppressed?...

What is there that belongs to you, tell me that? From whom have you received everything you carry with you through this life?... Didn't you emerge naked from your mother's womb? And won't you return equally naked to the dust? (Jb 1,21). From whom do you have possession of your present goods? Answer «by chance», and you are an irreligious person who refuses to know your creator or thank your benefactor. If you admit it is from God then tell me what is the reason you received them.

Could God be unjust in sharing out unequally the good things necessary for life? Why are you enjoying abundance while that other is in want? Isn't it solely so that one day, through your goodness and disinterested administration, you might receive your reward while the poor man will gain the crown promised to patience?... The bread you keep for yourself belongs to the hungry; to the naked belongs the cloak that you store away in your chest... So you commit as many deeds of injustice as there are people you might have helped.

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