ACC ~ Matthew 6 v19

PREPARATION FOR THE DISCOURSE ON RICHES

CHRYSOSTOM: Previously he had only said that we must show mercy. Here he also points out how great is the mercy we must show. He says, “Don’t store up treasure.” It would have been impossible to introduce his discourse on disdain for riches without much preparation. So he broke the discourse up into small portions. Having readied the hearer’s mind, he brings up the tougher subject in a way that is plausible. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 20.2. [1]

[1] PG 57:289; NPNF 1 10:142**.

TREASURES THAT CORRUPT

AUGUSTINE: If someone does something with the intent of gaining earthly profit, that one’s heart is upon the earth. How can a heart be clean while it is wallowing in the mud? On the other hand, if it be fastened upon heaven it will be clean, for whatever is heavenly is unpolluted. A thing becomes defiled if it is mixed with a baser substance, even though that other substance be not vile in its own nature. Gold, for example, is debased by pure silver if mixed with it. So also is our mind defiled by a desire for the things of earth, although the earth itself is pure in its own class and in its own order. SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.13.44. [1]

[1] PL 34:1289; FC 11:152-53.

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