ACC ~ Matthew 5 v42

FREELY GIVE

JEROME: If we think that only this is all that is taught about almsgiving, then there are many poor to whom it cannot apply. And even the wealthy can give forever, if they are always giving. For the sake of goodness, therefore, this doctrine of almsgiving was given to the apostles: that they who have freely received should freely give. [1] Money of that sort is never lacking. As much as is given, by that much it is increased, and though the fountain water drench the fields below, it never runs dry. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 1.5.42. [2]

[1] Cf. Mt 10:8.

[2] CCL 77:34.

CONSTRAINTS ON IRRESPONSIBLE GIVING

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: In giving us these directives so that their sense might be diligently examined, he did not intend us to take them according to the bare sound of the words. For he does not command to give to everyone who asks without exception, even if one has nothing to give, for that is impossible. Nor does he instruct us, if we have plenty, to give to someone who asks with a bad motive. For the donation then goes for evil things, as when someone asks for the sake of lust and intemperance and not for real need, and the person who gives merely provides fuel for such intemperance. For why is it said concerning the apostles that “distribution was made to each as any had need”? [1] This tells us that they gave not so much to those who simply asked but that they provided for others on the basis of need. And do not forget about the verse that says, “A man is acceptable according to what he has, not according to what he does not have,” [2] and “not so that others should be relieved and you burdened.” [3] FRAGMENT 37. [4]

[1] Acts 4:35.

[2] 2 Cor 8:12.

[3] 2 Cor 8:13.

[4] MKGK 66-67.

THE RICH AND THE POOR

ANONYMOUS: All these mandates suit the character of the poor person. But who knocks out the tooth of the rich and powerful? Let the rich not knock out the tooth of the poor! Who tries to steal the tunic of the rich and powerful with lies? Let the rich not steal the tunic of the poor with lies! Who presses the rich and powerful into service? Let the rich not press the poor into service! If such is the case, the rich person is fruitless. And how might that one fulfill the justice of the law and of grace, that he might become a perfect servant of God? How? If anyone seeks a loan from him, let him give it. It is the law that you do not take from another, even if you do not give what is yours. It is grace, however, that you do not take from another and you give what is yours. Therefore whoever gives a loan fulfills both the law and grace. For he who gives freely of his own, would he then take the goods of another? The rich man therefore cannot be tested or proved through physical suffering. No one will likely do him violence; rather, he is tested and proved by generosity. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 12. [1]

[1] PG 56:701.