Be poor to be rich; Church Fathers: Day 213

Last updated on: February 23, 2018 at 6:48 am by Pete Socks

Be poor to be rich; Church Fathers: Day 213 2018-02-23T06:48:08-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Only one who fears God is rich, says St. Ephrem the Syrian. All earthly riches are really poverty, because they lead us away from our true riches.

No one in creation is rich but one who fears God; no one is truly poor but one who lacks the truth.

How needy and not rich is the one whose need witnesses against him that even from the abject and the beggars he needs to receive a gift! He is truly a slave, and many are his masters: he renders service to money, to riches, and possessions. His lords are void of mercy, for they grant him no repose.

Flee, and live in poverty; poverty is a mother who pities her beloved. Seek refuge in indigence, who nourishes her children with choice things; her yoke is light and pleasant, and her memory sweet to the taste. The sick in conscience alone abhors the cup of poverty; the fainthearted dreads the yoke of indigence that is honorable.

Who has granted to you, son of man, to find repose in the world? Who has granted to you, thing of dust, to be rich amidst poverty? Do not be needy through desires and looking to others. Enough for you is your daily bread that comes of the sweat of your brow. Let this be the measure of your need, what the day gives you; and if you find for yourself a feast, take of it what you need. You shall not take in a day enough for days, for the belly keeps no treasure.

Praise and give thanks when you are satisfied, so that your satisfaction does not provoke the Giver to anger. In purity strengthen yourself, so that you may gain profit from it. In everything give thanks and praise to God as the Redeemer.

–St. Ephrem the Syrian, Homily on Admonition and Repentance, 21

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I have more than enough for myself and my family?

Can some of my surplus be put to better use?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, I desire to offer much; be pleased to accept the gifts I bring, and grant me the charity to offer more.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Previous Post

February 22, 2018

Find God through continence; Church Fathers: Day 212

Next Post

February 24, 2018 Toss out the image of the devil; Church Fathers: Day 214

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz