ACC ~ Matthew 6 v24

SERVING TWO MASTERS

CHRYSOSTOM: Now Jesus calls mammon here “a master,” not because of its own nature but on account of the wretchedness of those who bow themselves beneath it. [1] So also he calls the stomach a god, [2] not from the dignity of such a mistress but from the wretchedness of those enslaved. To have mammon for your master is already worse itself than any later punishment and enough retribution before the punishment for any one trapped in it. For what condemned criminals can be so wretched as those who, once having God for their Lord, do from that mild rule desert to this grievous obsession for money? Even in this life such idolatry trails immense harm in its path, with losses unspeakable. Think of the lawsuits! The harrassments, the strife and toil and blinding of the soul! More grievous, one falls away thereby from the highest blessing—to be God’s servant. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 21.2. [3]

[1] According to a line of reasoning dating back to Clement of Alexandria, Chrysostom explains that riches are not evil in their very nature but in the evil use to which they are put, which causes humankind so much unhappiness.

[2] Phil 3:19.

[3] PG 57:296; NPNF 1 10:147**.

CLEANSING AWAY DUPLICITY

AUGUSTINE: “He will be devoted to one and disregard the other.” He does not say that one will hate the other, for scarcely anyone’s conscience could hate God. [1] But one disregards God—that is to say, one does not fear God but presumes on his goodness. From this negligent and tormented confidence, the Holy Spirit recalls us when he says through the prophet: “Son, do not add sin to sin; and do not say, ‘The mercy of God is great.’” [2] Note when Paul says, “Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” [3] For whose mercy can be accounted as great as the mercy of him who forgives all, if they convert to him? He makes the wild olive a partaker of the fatness of the original olive tree. At the same time, whose severity can be accounted as great as the severity of him who has not spared the natural branches but has broken them off because of unbelief? [4] Therefore, whoever wishes to love God and to beware of offending him, let such a one cleanse the upright intention of his heart from all duplicity. In this way, he will “think of the Lord in goodness and seek him in simplicity of heart.” [5] SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.14.48. [6]

[1] Note Retractations 1.19.8.

[2] Sir 5:5-6.

[3] Rom 2:4.

[4] Rom 11:17-22.

[5] Wis 1:1.

[6] PL 34:1290-91; FC 11:156*.