THE DISCONTENTED

A Christian must be contented in all things; but many Christians are discontented. They never take into account that there are many people who are worse than they, thus, they feel no gratitude towards the Giver of all good for the blessings they have. The discontented always compare what they have with those above them so they are constantly complaining as if they have been deprived of something that properly belongs to them. 

The slave is discontented because he is not a master; the master is discontented because he does not come from a famous family. The man of good birth is discontented because he has not plenty of wealth; the rich man is not content because he cannot obtain positions of authority over cities. The General is discontented because he is not a prince; the prince, because he is not a king. And so, it comes to pass that none of them return thanks to their Benefactor for any of their blessings.

St. Basil

(02-06-04)