Luke 12:33

[Akita Suggagaki]

"Sell your belongings and give alms."

Another challenging instruction from Jesus. At least we can take from it that seeking our own goods and comfort to the exclusion of care for others is unchristian.
I am reminded of St Francis who acted on this. But he had no children or responsibilities. What does it mean for us? I think we can start by reflecting the on the limits we place on our generosity and charity.

 

[Hoping2]

"Sell your belongings and give alms."

Another challenging instruction from Jesus. At least we can take from it that seeking our own goods and comfort to the exclusion of care for others is unchristian.
I am reminded of St Francis who acted on this. But he had no children or responsibilities. What does it mean for us? I think we can start by reflecting the on the limits we place on our generosity and charity.

Give with a cheerful heart.
Don't make "X" suffer for what you give to "Y".

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Matthew 19:21 - The Rich Young Man

Jesus told him, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.

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Luke 12:33 - Do Not Worry

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

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The above two verses say the same thing, the common denominator is "so you can have treasure in heaven"

A further reflection from the proverbs, giving to the poor is giving to God.

I recall a group took this to an extreme and started doing it, but the pope of that era didn't like them skipping "the middleman" (him). So they were branded as heretics and chased after over Europe .. unsure if this has anything to do with the where's Waldo book series ...

 

[Clare73]

"Sell your belongings and give alms."

Another challenging instruction from Jesus. At least we can take from it that seeking our own goods and comfort to the exclusion of care for others is unchristian.
I am reminded of St Francis who acted on this. But he had no children or responsibilities. What does it mean for us? I think we can start by reflecting the on the limits we place on our generosity and charity.

Is that the basis for Catholic monasticism?

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Is that the basis for Catholic monasticism?

More "poverty" of the three vows religious make, Poverty, chastity and obedience.

 

[Richard T]

Yes, there has to be some give in this because of the way economics is organized in society now. It is not like a believer can glean in the fields to get enough food. While it is fine to take government aid, it is better to not be dependent on it. The entire modern retirement system depends on savings to sustain the later years as well. The amount of wealth too generated by investments is massive. One could even suggest that it might be better to put Christian money in trusts that pay into perpetuity?

 

[fhansen]

"Sell your belongings and give alms."

Another challenging instruction from Jesus. At least we can take from it that seeking our own goods and comfort to the exclusion of care for others is unchristian.
I am reminded of St Francis who acted on this. But he had no children or responsibilities. What does it mean for us? I think we can start by reflecting the on the limits we place on our generosity and charity.

St Francis had some very compelling alternatives including the profitable family business affording a hedonistic lifestyle.. and Claire. But he forsook all that for a higher purpose.

And while it's considered that absolute perfection is impossible in this life, any of us can aspire to a greater one in the here and now. It's up to us as to how much we wish to give up for Gods kingdom but we probably all have more worldly attachments than necessary in any case.

 

[Aseyesee]

"Sell your belongings and give alms."

Another challenging instruction from Jesus. At least we can take from it that seeking our own goods and comfort to the exclusion of care for others is unchristian.
I am reminded of St Francis who acted on this. But he had no children or responsibilities. What does it mean for us? I think we can start by reflecting the on the limits we place on our generosity and charity.

"Take no thought (for your life)" ... it is the price of purchasing the field ...