WEALTH

Wealth is like a viper, which is harmless if you know how to take hold of it; but, if you do not, it will twine round your hand and bite you. Wealth only becomes immortal when it is turned into almsgiving.

We must impart our wealth in good works; avoiding extremes of meanness and ostentation. We must not let our love of the beautiful run into selfishness or excess, lest it should be said of us -- "His horse, or his farm, or his servant, or his plate is worth of great value, while he, himself, is worth nothing."

It is said by those who are acquainted with such things that there is no animal so implacable and revengeful as a camel. Such is wealth. It not only nourishes the unreasonable passions of the soul, but it pierces and wounds the mind.

The world's wealth has many enemies to spoil it; but no one can hurt the wealth that is laid up for us in heaven; for its keeper is God, who sleepeth not. Trust your wealth to Him, and you will receive it again with increase. 

After all, what is wealth?  A vain shadow, dissolving smoke, a flower of the grass or, rather, something meaner than a flower.

St. Clement of Alexandria and St. John Chrysostom

(01-17-04)