“Fly avarice, the Queen of all the vices, who never enters the human heart alone, but always brings a flattering and deceiving train along with her. Show yourself zealous for the public good; do more by reason than by terror. Let your person be a refuge for the oppressed, a defense of the weak, a stronghold for him who is stricken down by any calamity.”
Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator (485-585) known commonly as Cassiodorus and closely associated with the Monastery at Vivarium in his letter “To the Various Cancellarii of the Several Provinces” as Praetorian Prefect.
Yesterday was a tough day. Long day of travel to Florida then spoke with a couple leaders who had been mistreated by avaricious and deceiving employers. In the dark ages when times were tough Cassiodurus called leaders to avoid the sin that was the root of all kinds of evil (cf. 1 Timothy 6:10).
His words were relevant then and ring true today! Christian leaders must lead by “reason” not “terror” and must be “zealous for the public good” all the time! Let us be a “refuge for the oppressed, a defense of the weak, a stronghold” for the stricken. God help us do this and do it with generosity and love!
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21