Charity is the measure…
Charity is the measure by which Our Lord judges all things.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
Goods are called good because…
The Lord ate from a common bowl, and asked the disciples to sit on the grass. He washed their feet, with a towel wrapped around His waist — He, who is the Lord of the universe! He drank water from a jug of earthenware, with the Samaritan woman. Christ made use His aim, not extravagance… We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly.
–Saint Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215)
Works of mercy…
The works of mercy are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians, that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent but also those of average means and the poor are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts.
–Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
Be mindful of the poor…
Be particularly mindful of the poor, so that what you take from yourself by living sparingly you may lay away in heavenly treasures. Let the needy Christ receive that of which the fasting Christian deprives himself. Let the self-restraint of the willing soul be the sustenance of the one in need. Let the voluntary neediness of the one possessing an abundance become the necessary abundance of the one in need.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
In your generosity…
Seek to distinguish yourself from others only in your generosity. Be like gods to the poor, imitating God’s mercy. Humanity has nothing so much in common with God as the ability to do good.
–Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
Feed one dying of hunger…
Feed him who is dying of hunger; if you have not fed him you have killed him.
–Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
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