Lent with the Early Church Fathers Day 12

Day 12

Lent with the Early Church Fathers

A daily post from Tom Bandy 

Based on Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers (Eds. Christopher D. Hudson, J. Alan Sharrer, and Lindsay Vanker: Hendrickson Press, 1999) 

Rich Fools 

Cyprian 

Jesus teaches us not only that riches are to be despised, but that also they are full of danger. They are the root of seducing evils and deceive the blind human mind by hidden deception. God rebukes rich fools who think only of their earthly wealth and boast in the abundance of their overflowing harvests. He says, “thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of the; and who shall those things be which thou hast provided?” The fool was rejoicing in the supplies when he would die that very night; one whose life was already failing was thinking about the abundance of his food.  

However, the Lord tells us that those who sell all their possessions and distribute them to the poor become perfect and complete. In so doing, they lay up treasures for themselves in heaven. He says that those who follow him, and are not entangled by worldly possessions, accompany their possessions which they send to God. For such reward, let us all prepare ourselves, learn to pray, and discern from our prayers what we should become. For he promises that all things will be added to those who seek God’s kingdom and righteousness. 

TGB: “Wealth management “means diametrically opposite things to the bank and to God. The bank offers advice on wealth management so that those who are already rich can keep it for themselves. God offers advice on wealth management so that those who are rich can give it to the poor. Yet those who would enhance their lifestyles will lose their lives; while those who sacrifice their lifestyles will gain their lives.