- Feb 5, 2002
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In his “Second Homily on Lazarus,” St. John Chrysostom said that the “rich man is a kind of steward of the money which is owed for distribution to the poor.”
That is how the Christian is meant to view his or her wealth, great or small, he thought. That’s what you’re meant to do with it — to share it.
He thought it obvious that one’s wealth should be shared, that there is no alternative, save the judgement of God. “For our money is the Lord’s,” he taught, “however we may have gathered it.” To those who are rich, or who simply have more than they need: “This is why God allowed you to have more,” to give it to the poor, to help others, he said.
Again, for Chrysostom, he assumed this was obvious to anyone who knew anything about Jesus.
But he also understood the strong countervailing temptation to be tightfisted. Luxury was like lust, both share the same Latin root; both vices involve taking what one shouldn’t, exceeding the moral limits of the goods given by God.
Both also risk hell, Chrysostom thought, that if a Christian “spends more on himself than his need requires, he will pay the harshest penalty hereafter.” The good saint’s preaching on this point was brutal; not too many preachers preach like that anymore.
Continued below.
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That is how the Christian is meant to view his or her wealth, great or small, he thought. That’s what you’re meant to do with it — to share it.
He thought it obvious that one’s wealth should be shared, that there is no alternative, save the judgement of God. “For our money is the Lord’s,” he taught, “however we may have gathered it.” To those who are rich, or who simply have more than they need: “This is why God allowed you to have more,” to give it to the poor, to help others, he said.
Again, for Chrysostom, he assumed this was obvious to anyone who knew anything about Jesus.
But he also understood the strong countervailing temptation to be tightfisted. Luxury was like lust, both share the same Latin root; both vices involve taking what one shouldn’t, exceeding the moral limits of the goods given by God.
Both also risk hell, Chrysostom thought, that if a Christian “spends more on himself than his need requires, he will pay the harshest penalty hereafter.” The good saint’s preaching on this point was brutal; not too many preachers preach like that anymore.
Seeking eternal treasure
Continued below.
From mammon to heavenly treasure
St. John Chrysostom teaches that Christian wealth is stewardship and challenges us to choose generosity over greed for heavenly treasure.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
