ACC ~ Mark 8 v36

THE ENJOYMENT OF EARTHLY GOODS

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: Those who neglect good works may fail to grasp just how much the good work of God has benefited them. Hence they are less capable of praying fittingly so as to receive good things from God. And even if they receive them, they will likely be unaware of what has been given them. And even if they enjoy them, they will not enjoy worthily what they have not understood. For from their lack of knowledge they will not grasp how to use the good things given them. And from their impulsiveness they will remain ignorant of how to avail themselves of the divine gifts offered. STROMATEIS 6.14. [1]

[1] TLG 0555.004, 6.14.112.4.1-8; ANF 2:506*.

INORDINATE LOVE OF THE WORLD

PSEUDO- CLEMENT: This world talks of adultery and corruption and love of money and deceit, but that world [1] says farewell to these things. We cannot, then, be friends equally of both, but we must say farewell to this to possess the other. We think that it is better to despise the things below, for they are small and passing and perishable, and to love the things which are truly there, things good and imperishable. 2 CLEMENT 6.4-6. [2]

[1] When viewed from the vantage point of faith.

[2] FC 1:68-69*; TLG 1271.002, 6.4.1-6.6.2.

ON RIGHTLY LOVING THE WORLD

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: While there is much in the world to love, it is best loved in relation to the One who made it. The world is beautiful, but much fairer is the One who fashioned it. The world is glorious, but more delightful is the One by whom the world was established. Therefore, let us labor as much as we can, beloved, that love of the world as such may not overwhelm us, and that we may not love the creature more than the creator. God has given us earthly possessions in order that we may love him with our whole heart and soul. [1] But sometimes we provoke God’s displeasure against us when we love his gifts more than God himself. The same thing happens in human relationships. Suppose someone gives a special gift to his protégé. But the protégé then begins to despise the giver, and loves the gift more than the one who gave. Suppose he comes to think of the giver no longer as friend but enemy. Just so it is with our relationship with God. We love more those who love us for ourselves rather than our gifts. So God is known to love those who love him more than the earthly gifts he gives. SERMONS 159.6. [2]

[1] Cf. Deut 10:12; Mt 22:37.

[2] Cetedoc 1008, 104.159.5.16; FC 47:369**.