ACC ~ Mark 10 v23

THE RICH NEED NOT DESPAIR

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: Let this teach the prosperous that they are not to neglect their own salvation, as if they had been already foredoomed, nor, on the other hand, to cast wealth into the sea, or condemn it as a traitor and an enemy to life, but learn in what way and how to use wealth and obtain life. SALVATION OF THE RICH MAN 27. [1]

[1] ANF 2:599*; TLG 0555.006, 27.1.2-2.1.

WHETHER IN MERELY HAVING WEALTH ONE TENDS TO LOVE IT INORDINATELY

AUGUSTINE: Such, O my soul, are the miseries that attend on riches. They are gained with toil and kept with fear. They are enjoyed with danger and lost with grief. It is hard to be saved if we have them; and impossible if we love them; and scarcely can we have them, but we shall love them inordinately. Teach us, O Lord, this difficult lesson: to manage conscientiously the goods we possess, and not covetously desire more than you give to us. LETTER 203. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0262, 203.57.316.1; GMI 247-48.

WHETHER THE POOR HAVE A DECISIVE ADVANTAGE OVER THE RICH

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: The rich man “went away sad,” as you have heard, and the Lord says: “With what difficulty will they who have riches enter the kingdom of God!” [1] At length the disciples became very sad when they heard this and they said: “If this is so, who then can be saved?” [2] Rich and poor, listen to Christ: I am speaking to God’s people. Most of you are poor, but you too must listen carefully to understand. And you had best listen even more intently if you glory in your poverty. Beware of pride, lest the humble rich surpass you. Beware of wickedness, lest the pious rich confound you. Beware of drunkenness, lest the sober excel you. SERMONS 153.2. [3]

[1] Mt 19:22-23; Mk 10:22-23.

[2] Mt 19:25; Mk 10:26; Lk 18:26.

[3] Cetedoc 1008, 104.153.2.1; FC 47:338*.

THE RICHES MOST TO BE DESIRED

SALVIAN THE PRESBYTER: Note what kind of riches it is that God loves. Note what wealth does he demand that we should store up for children. Note what possessions he especially orders us to guard: faith, fear of God, modesty, holiness, and discipline. Nothing earthly, nothing base, nothing perishable or transitory. THE FOUR BOOKS OF TIMOTHY TO THE CHURCH 1.4. [1]

[1] SC 176:152; FC 3:276**. Richness in virtue is greater than richness in worldly goods.