On Living Simply XXII
Those who love money are fierce in the pursuit of it, like wild animals pursuing their prey. They do not allow the ties of freindship to restrain them; they betray, cheat, or exploit their closest freinds when there is gold and silver to be gained. Nor do they let the chains of conscience inhibit them; they learn to make their consciences as numb as fingers on a cold day. Even members of their own families may be used in their quest for wealth. Their eyes become blind to the suffering they cause, and their ears deaf to the cries of those whose lives are ruined by them. They imagine themselves to be free, pursuing their own interestes without constraint. But in truth they are slaves to their own greed; and this greed only brings them misery. So they bring a double misery into the world, those they exploit and to themselves.Worst of all, they are even grateful for thier own greed; they give thanks that this desire for moneymotivates their actions and gives purpose to their lives. While they feel this gratitude, they can never escape.
-St. John the Golden Mouth
Deacon Raphael
5 Comments
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (5)
Thank you for this post.
<i>How do we escape? Does the saint give advice? </i>
There are tid bits thrown in here and there. I think the first step is to become aware of our avarice, and then begin the process of repentance. St. John does refer to this over and again in his writings.
Mimi,<i>Thank you for this post. </i>
Your welcome!
<i>I just love St. John.......I can't get enough...I wish I could get every Protestant I know to read some of his homilies. </i>
Thanks for your knid words David, I agree that St. John is a great find!