Invest in the poor; Angels: Day 279

Invest in the poor; Angels: Day 279 April 28, 2017

angels_cyril_of_alexandria_1The sure way to earn a good return, says St. Cyril of Alexandria, is to invest in the poor. Instead of mere money, you earn the praise of angels and the invitation of the Son.

What good is there in prodigal abundance beyond what necessity re- quires? For as Christ himself said somewhere (Luke 10:42), few things are needful, or rather one, to take care of the wants of the body. So to escape the danger of losing the return on our investment, by expending our wealth in such pursuits as will bear good fruit, he has commanded us to invite the poor, and the maimed, and the blind, and those who are suffering under other bodily maladies, so that by our generosity in doing so, we may earn the hope that comes from God above.

Do you like to be praised when you have friends or relatives feasting with you? I tell you of something far better: angels will praise your bounty, and the rational powers above, and holy men as well. And he who transcends all, and who loves mercy and is kind, will also accept it. Lend to him fearing nothing, and you will receive with interest whatever you gave: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,” it says (Prov. 19:17). He has acknowledged the loan, and promises repayment.

The investment is not unprofitable: in fact, compassion for the poor will make your wealth breathe forth a sweet scent. Purchase the grace that comes from God; buy the Lord of Heaven and Earth for your friend. After all, we often pur- chase someone’s friendship with large sums of gold, and if those of high rank are on our side, we feel great joy in offering them presents even beyond what we can afford, because of the honor that comes to us from them. And yet these things are only transitory, and quickly fade away, and are like the fantasies of dreams. –St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Sermon 103

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How much of my fortune is invested in the poor? Do I believe that the praise of the angels will be the return on my investment?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, bless the widow,  the orphan, and the stranger; and let me join your angels in serving and protecting them.


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