Homily 30 #
On Friday of the Third Week of the Fast: A Teaching of Saint John Chrysostom on the Rich and the Poor.
Brethren, I have spoken to you many times, and now, with tears, I speak again about the enemies of the Cross of Christ. For these are the enemies of God—those who serve their flesh, thinking only of earthly things, and who do not heed what is written: “Brethren, our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). That is why I say so much to you. Many bear the name of Christian only outwardly, but in their deeds and way of life, they follow the ways of the pagans. Anyone who drinks excessively and commits injustice is an enemy of God and the destroyer of his own soul. Such people are truly worthy of lamentation, for they indulge in every pleasure of the flesh, making their bodies fat only to provide a greater feast for worms.
O brethren! Even if we remain in this world for many years, we must still die. We have been brought into this world only for a time of testing, so that our love for God—or else our negligence and weakness—may be revealed. Because of Adam’s disobedience, we became subject to death; therefore, the Lord took on flesh and commanded us to abstain from visible pleasures and temporary delights, so that we might enter again into Paradise, from which Adam was cast out. But if we spend our entire lives indulging in various foods and drinks, in much drunkenness, and do not even give a crust of bread to the poor but only satisfy our own appetites, is it not as the Apostle Paul says: “Whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:19)?
And if we build grand churches on earth and make a name for ourselves but do not practice righteousness and virtue, can such earthly glory truly help us? How long, brethren, will we crawl upon the earth like a serpent and never rise to the heavens like an eagle, where life and the Kingdom are prepared for us, as the Apostle Paul says? Therefore, I say to you: be watchful, for we are mortal. Whoever drinks excessively and seeks after worldly honor only fattens his body while destroying his soul. That is why the saints considered this life as nothing, so that we also might follow their example and not cling to this present world, lest we become enemies of God.
The saints endured countless sufferings and tribulations for the sake of God, while gluttons endure much shame and reproach simply to indulge their bellies. Such people waste their wealth and ruin their souls. But we, who are faithful, should not give ourselves over to this way of life; rather, let us endure a little here, that we may receive honor and glory there, and inherit eternal life, as the Apostle declares: “From whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Truly, we are worthy of lamentation if we willingly deprive ourselves of such a promise. For it has been promised that our flesh will be made like unto the flesh of our Lord, yet we choose instead to make it like the demons through our iniquities.
But let me make this clear to you with an example of two men. One was rich and gave himself over to this life, to much drinking, and was honored and renowned in this world. The other was poor and destitute, fasting greatly, eating only in the evening or even every other day. Now tell me, which of these lived better? I know, however, that people most often praise those who live in luxury in this world, who hold frequent feasts. But we shall praise those who, for the sake of God, afflict themselves with fasting and prayer, with keeping vigil through the night, and with giving alms to the poor according to their strength.
Let us enter the homes of both men and observe their way of life. First, let us go into the house of the poor man, and we shall see him laboring, either working with his hands or praying to God. Then let us enter the house of the rich man, and we shall see him either drunk or lying as if dead, reeking with stench. But that God-fearing man we shall see even at night keeping vigil, working with his hands, and always remaining sober. Now, whom will you praise? The one who, lying as though dead, hears nothing, and if you speak to him, gives you no answer? Or the one who labors constantly and keeps watch? See how one who lives in luxury and drunkenness is worse than a corpse and more wretched than a demoniac? For the demon torments a man only by the permission of God, but the drunkard destroys himself by his own will. His very saliva, rotting within him, stinks with corruption, and his belching is like that of cattle. Consider how wretched such a soul is, sinking into the mire of the flesh like a beast in the swamp.
And if he rises, thinking himself sober again, he is still dull and unwell, for the cloud of drunkenness still darkens his eyes and casts him into confusion. But the one who amasses great wealth is worse than the drunkard. The drunkard ruins himself alone, but the hoarder envies all and is never satisfied in gathering. He is worse than the drunkard. The drunkard may sober up at times, but the one who hoards is always drunk in his mind, day and night, consumed with thoughts of his wealth. The rich man is deafened by his greed, just as the drunkard is deafened by his drunkenness—both are slaves of the devil.
O man! “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). Even the very garments in which we are buried will be devoured by worms. Greed is a harsh master for the miserly and the uncharitable; even if they gather much, they still think they have little. And if they lose even a little, they imagine they have suffered a great loss. O merciless one, thou shalt thyself find no mercy from God!
To our God be glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.