hatever cleric wishes to dwell with me in voluntary poverty possesses God. If such a one is ready to be fed by God through his church, and to have nothing of his own, but rather to give what he has to the poor or to put it in the common store, let him remain with me.

If anyone does not wish this, he may have his freedom. But let him reflect whether he will have eternal happiness.

Prayer. Lord, I am poor and needy. I am better only when with heartfelt sorrow I renounce myself and seek your mercy so that my deficiencies are overcome and transformed.

From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Augustine Day by Day: Minute Meditations for Every Day Taken from the Writings of Saint Augustine. Catholic Book Publishing Co. New York, 1986.

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