February 13
The poor save the rich
n God's plan
the poor serve the advantage of the rich, for the rich are saved by the
poor when no other door to salvation is open to them. The rich do not fast,
they do not toil, they are not persecuted, they do not endure harsh conditions,
and they do not pray, being ensnared by their interests. The Lord therefore
takes thought: What else is there? What is left for you? Give alms,
and, behold, everything is clean for you; and the wise man says: The
rich and the poor have met; the Lord is Creator of them both. He created
the rich for the sake of the poor, and the poor for the sake of the rich.
To the rich he has given riches that they might feed the poor, and for
this reason too he often multiplies and increases their wealth. To the
poor he has given neediness, sores, and hardships, that they might move
the hearts of the rich and so the rich might be saved.
Love the poor, therefore, you who are rich, for they are your brothers
and sisters, your redeemers, your helpers, since theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Give what is temporal that you may receive what is eternal.
From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Tradition Day by Day: Readings from
Church Writers. Augustinian Press. Villanova, PA, 1994.
HTML text prepared by David P. Steelman
