THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
We have need of all good works, but most of all of love for mankind and meekness, because we ourselves need love for mankind. Since we sin much every day, we also need much mercy. Great or small is not measured by the amount given, but by the means of the giver. Let the rich man not think highly of himself. Let the poor man not be downcast because he gives little, for often the poor man gives more than the rich. Because of poverty you should not consider yourselves unfortunate, since it gives us the possibility of giving alms more easily. The man who has much is restrained both by arrogance and by the desire to acquire more. The man who has little is freed from the tyranny of both passions, and therefore finds more occasions to do good.
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Without difficulty he goes to prison, visits the sick, and gives a cup of cold water. But the rich man, puffed up by his wealth, will not allow himself to do this. Therefore do not complain about poverty, for poverty gives you a greater opportunity to gain heaven. Even if you have nothing, you have a compassionate heart, and for this a reward is prepared for you. For this reason Paul commanded, “weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15), and to treat prisoners as though we ourselves were “bound with them.” Having many who suffer with them brings some consolation not only to those who weep, but also to those in other difficult circumstances. Sometimes one word can strengthen the afflicted no less than money. God commanded us to give money to the needy not only in order to help them in their poverty, but also to teach us compassion for the misfortunes of our neighbor. The lover of money is hateful not only because he despises those who live in want. He is hateful also because he himself becomes accustomed to hardness and inhumanity. Likewise, the man who despises money for the sake of the poor is beloved precisely because he is merciful and loves mankind. When Christ blesses the merciful, He blesses and praises not merely those who give monetary alms, but those who do this with a good disposition. Therefore let us have such zeal for works of mercy, and every good thing will follow. The man with a loving and merciful disposition will distribute money if he has it. If he sees someone in misfortune, he will weep and shed tears. If he meets someone wronged, he will defend him. If he finds someone in distress, he will stretch out his hand to him. Having a treasury of good things, a soul that loves mankind and is merciful, he will pour out from it everything needed for the brethren. He will receive all the rewards prepared by God. In order that we too may attain them, let us first of all take care to make our heart meek. Thus in this life also we shall do many good works and be counted worthy of the crowns to come. May all of us attain them by the grace and love for mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father and the Holy Spirit belong glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.