are committing no sin. but the sin of the rich consists in not sharing their
wealth with the poor. in fact, the rich person who keeps all his wealth for
himself is committing a form of robbery. the reason is that in truth all
wealth comes from God, and so belongs to everyone equally. the proof of
this is all around us. look at the succulent fruits which the trees and the
bushes produce. look at the fertile soil which yields each year such an
abundant harvest. look at the sweet grapes on the vines, which gives us
wine to drink. the rich may claim that they own many fields in which fruits
and grain grow; but it is God who causes seeds to sprout and mature. the
duty of the rich is to share the harvest of their fields with all who work in
them and with all in need.
wealth with the poor. in fact, the rich person who keeps all his wealth for
himself is committing a form of robbery. the reason is that in truth all
wealth comes from God, and so belongs to everyone equally. the proof of
this is all around us. look at the succulent fruits which the trees and the
bushes produce. look at the fertile soil which yields each year such an
abundant harvest. look at the sweet grapes on the vines, which gives us
wine to drink. the rich may claim that they own many fields in which fruits
and grain grow; but it is God who causes seeds to sprout and mature. the
duty of the rich is to share the harvest of their fields with all who work in
them and with all in need.
saint john chrysostom, on living simply
