ACC ~ Mark 12 v43

ALL WITHIN YOUR POWER

CHRYSOSTOM: When alms are given, we attend to nothing else except the disposition required. And if you say that money is needed, and houses and clothes and shoes, read those words of Christ, which he spoke concerning the widow, [1] and stop being anxious. For even if you are extremely poor, and among those that beg, if you cast in your two small coins, you have done all in your power. Though you offer only a barley cake, having only this, you will have arrived at the heart of the matter. THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 52.5. [2]

[1] Mk 12:43; Lk 21:3-4.

[2] NPNF 1 10:324*; TLG 2062.152, 58.523.22-30. The mighty who give much respond less faithfully than do the poor who give all.

THE SHARE OF THE POOR IN THE KINGDOM

AUGUSTINE: But what, brethren, is more mighty than that not only Zacchaeus should acquire the kingdom of heaven by the half of his goods, [1] but even the widow for two pennies, [2] and that each should possess an equal share there? What is greater than that the same kingdom should be worth treasures to the rich man, and a cup of cold water to the poor? [3] ON THE PSALMS 112.3. [4]

[1] Lk 19:8.

[2] Mk 12:42.

[3] Cf. Mt 10:42.

[4] Cetedoc 0283, 40.111.3.5; NPNF 1 8:547. The poor who give their all share the kingdom with the rich who give only a part.

A GOOD WILL ALONE IS SUFFICIENT

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: Therefore, those who possess good will have everything. This alone can be sufficient if there are no other things, but if it alone is lacking, whatever they possess profits nothing. If it is present, it alone suffices, but everything else avails nothing if charity alone is lacking. [1] SERMONS 182.3. [2]

[1] Cf. Eph 6:7.

[2] Cetedoc 1008, 104.182.3.42; FC 47:470*. If one has nothing but a good will, that alone is sufficient.

THAT WHICH MAKES A GOOD DEED GOOD

BEDE: The treasure in one’s heart is the intention of the thought, from which the searcher of hearts judges the outcome. Hence it quite frequently occurs that some persons perform good deeds of lesser importance with a greater reward of heavenly grace. This is because of the intention in their hearts to accomplish greater good if they could. Others, though they display greater works of virtue, are allotted smaller rewards by the Lord on account of the indifference in their lukewarm hearts. The deed of the widow who contributed two copper coins to the temple was preferred to the large contributions of those who were rich by the One who weighs what is within our hearts. [1] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.25. [2]

[1] Mk 12:42-44; Lk 2:1-4.

[2] Cetedoc 1367, 2.25.121; HOG 2:259*. Some perform good deeds of less importance yet with purer intent and hence receive greater divine approval.

Mk