Possess and don’t be possessed…
Let he who is rich strive to possess his goods, not be possessed by them.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
A life of discipleship…
If you want a life of discipleship, do not allow the desire for material possessions to get a grip on you. A disciple with many possessions is like a ship that has been too heavily laden. It is lashed by the storms of cares and sinks in the deep waters of distress. The love of money gives birth to many evil obsessions and has rightly been called the “root of all evil.” [1 TIM. 6:10]
–Saint Theodorus the Ascetic (Seventh Century)
Moderation in life…
The more a man uses moderation in his life, the more he is at peace, for he is not full of cares for many things-servants, hired laborers and acquisition of cattle. But when we cling to such things, we become liable to vexations arising from them and are led to murmur against God. Thus our self-willed desire (for many things) fills us with turmoil and we wander in the darkness of a sinful life, not knowing ourselves.
–Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356)
One can never learn…
A man can never learn what divine power is while he abides in comfort and spacious living.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Imprisoned by attachment…
When a person is no longer imprisoned by attachment to anything he or she become free to enjoy them for what they truly are.
–Abba Moses (330-405) A Desert Father
When someone steals…
When someone steals another’s clothes we call him a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the person who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the person who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor.
–Saint Basil the Great (329-379)
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