ACC ~ 1 John 3 v17

TO THE LEAST OF THESE. CYPRIAN: If alms given to the least are given to Christ, there is no reason for anyone to prefer earthly things to heavenly ones or to place human things before divine ones. WORKS AND ALMSGIVING 16.

CLOSING ONE’S HEART. CHRYSOSTOM: When you see someone in need, do not run away, but think to yourself, if that were you, would you want to be treated like that? CATENA.

BE READY AT LEAST TO GIVE GOODS. AUGUSTINE: If you are not yet able to die for your brother, at least show him your ability to give him of your goods. Let love be stirring your inmost heart to do it, not for display but out of the very marrow of compassion, thinking only of the brother and his need. TEN HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 5.12.

HAVE SYMPATHY FOR ANOTHER’S PLIGHT. BEDE: Look where charity begins. If you are not yet ready to die for your brother, at least you should be ready to share some of your wealth with him. For if you are not prepared to show sympathy for your brother’s plight, then the love of the Father, who has given birth to both of you, is not in you. ON 1 JOHN.

1 Jn