And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. Luke 11:39-41
“For, “Give alms,” it saith, “of such things as ye have, and behold all things are clean unto you.” “Alms,” not covetousness, for that which proceeds from covetousness endures not, though thou give to those who need. For almsgiving is that which is free from all injustice, “this” makes all things clean. This is a thing better even than fasting, or lying on the ground; they may be more painful and laborious, but this more profitable. It enlightens the soul, makes it sleek, beautiful, and vigorous.”
John Chrysostom (347-407) in Homily 81 on John’s Gospel.
The Pharisees focused on following the letter of the law whilst their hearts were far from God and drawn toward money and personal gain. Here Jesus instructs them to give as alms the things that are within.
Chrysostom helps us see what’s happening in this text. The actions of the Pharisees flowed from covetousness or wanting things for themselves. So what is it that makes us sleek, beautiful, and vigorous?
In short, it’s wanting the best for and sharing our best with others. We do this and things are all good or all clean for us. This helps us move well through life in a sleek and vigorous way, not bogged down by wealth but using it beautifully.
My speaking at the inaugural CMA Standards Council Annual Address (the peer accountability group I helped form in Australia) and CMA Fundraising Network Launch event in Brisbane went great.
Headed to Melbourne now. Appreciate your prayers for continued fruitful work: 2 events down and 9 to go.